ME & FOMO OF PMP

Ah, FOMO, that sneaky little devil! Picture this: you're chilling like a Zen master, then bam! FOMO smacks you in the face like a jazz trumpet solo hitting a high note! ?What's FOMO?, If to expand it, it's Fear of Missing Out. It's like the Fear of Missing Out decided to throw a wild party and forgot to invite me. Moreover, it concerns only when and what your neighbor is up to (pun intended). Back to IIM Ahmedabad - Armed Forces Programme , I was, knee-deep with four months of intense case studies, exams, assessments, and Ahmedabad killing heat. The outcome finally was the eerie feeling my military jargon (who had been with me for the last 23 years) was asking, "Do we know each other? Have we met?" I was as lost as Shahid Kapoor trying to find his script.

?FOMO of being PMP! With utter perseverance, my batch mates of IIM Ahmedabad - Armed Forces Programme were cracking the exams with gusto. The up-skilling curve was evident in the class with jargon, concepts churned out with icing of military experience. But believe me, transitioning from military to civilian life is like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—it's a whole circus act! Between my schedule and other commitments, finding time to prepare for the coveted PMP was like trying to fit an elephant into a small car. I am still trying to fit in! So finally one fine Sunday morning traded a sumptuous king breakfast with my dear friend at @Kaffa(pits stop for IIM A) and sat down with my dear friends to understand the PMP journey. From what I understood, the concept of PMP is laid down in this article.

PM Phase 1 - Initiation Phase, Decision to Transition - In project management, the initiation phase involves defining the project at a broad level. Similarly, an army officer begins their transition by making a strategic decision to move from military service to civilian life. This phase includes:-

-???Assessment of Readiness. Evaluating personal and professional reasons for leaving the military and conducting a self-feasibility study.

-??Stakeholder Identification. Understanding the impact on family, own career progression, current stature, and the fulcrum "Me".

-??Setting Goals. Defining what success looks like post-transition, whether it’s finding a specific type of job, achieving further education, or starting a business.

?

PM Phase 2 - Planning Phase, Developing a Transition Plan????Planning is crucial in both project management and military transitions. This phase involves,

-???Scope Definition. ?? ?Identifying the career field or industry of interest and defining the boundaries of the job search or educational pursuits.

-???Risk Management. ??? ?Analyzing potential challenges such as skills mismatch, cultural adjustment, and financial uncertainties. Creating contingency plans for these risks including saving for those months wherein you are a “Trishanku”.

-???Resource Allocation.??????? Identifying and being part of great networks like Forces Network by Iqbal Singh and Sambhav Kadam Foundation - Empowering Indian Veterans , Prem Vas , and corporate firms who foster DEI, especially veterans such as 亚马逊 德勤 ENY J.P. 摩根 Cisco Networking Academy BNY and many others.

-???? Schedule Development.? Creating a timeline for key activities such as resume preparation, job applications, interviews, and professional development courses.

?PM Step 3?? Execution Phase. Implementing the Plan????The execution phase in project management involves putting the plan into action, similar to how an army officer would carry out their transition strategy:

-??Networking and Outreach.????Actively engaging with professional networks, attending job fairs, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn

-??Skill Enhancement.????Enroll in courses or training programs to bridge any skill gaps and earn relevant certifications including my alma mater now Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

-??Job Applications and Interviews.????Systematically applying for jobs, tailoring resumes and cover letters, and preparing for interviews.

-??Utilizing Support Services.???Engaging with veteran transition services and mentors to gain insights and advice.

?PM 4 ?Monitoring and Controlling Phase. Adjusting the Course. This phase involves tracking progress and making necessary adjustments, akin to the continuous monitoring in project management:

?-? Progress Tracking.??? ?Regularly reviewing job application outcomes and interview feedback.

-???Performance Measurement. ?Assessing how well the transition activities are meeting the predefined goals and milestones.

-???Issue Management.? ?Addressing any unexpected challenges such as extended job search periods or evolving career interests.

-???Adaptability. Being flexible and ready to pivot strategies based on real-time feedback and changing circumstances.

?PM Step 5 Closing Phase, Securing Employment and Integrating.????The closing phase in project management signifies the completion of the project. For an army officer, this means successfully securing a civilian job and integrating into the new role:

-?????? Job Acceptance and Onboarding.? ?Finalizing employment offers and completing onboarding processes.

-?????? Role Adjustment.?? Adapting to the civilian work environment, which may differ significantly from military culture.

-?????? Performance Evaluation. Regular self-assessment and seeking feedback to ensure successful adaptation and performance in the new role.

-?????? Continued Development. ? Committing to ongoing professional development and career advancement.

Conclusion?

Which phase am I in my transition? I feel probably Phase 4. Transitioning from battlefield to boardroom can feel like navigating a minefield of uncertainty, but fear not, for the project management framework is here to save the day! By treating the transition like a well-crafted project, officers can tap into their arsenal of strategic planning, risk management, and execution skills. So, march on, brave officers, and let the rhythm of project management lead you to victory in the civilian world!