Thanks Dr.Sastry

It was a little less than a couple of years back, Dr.Sastry, the Evangelist for our OD (Organization Development) initiatives, ignited a burning desire in me to pursue PMP Certification.

In one of the Management Development Programs, Dr. Sastry organized a training on Project Management. I found the training to be very useful.

During the lunch break, we were discussing the Project Management skills for effective and efficient management of Projects. I enquired Dr.Sastry about formal education for Project Management. That is when Dr.Sastry told me about PMP Cortication.

He told the participants that one has to go through a formal training to gain the eligibility for exam and subsequently pass the exam to get PMP certification from PMI, USA.

At the end of the discussion he told the participants "PMP is a prestigious Certification and it is not all that easy to get certified. It is a tough examination".

My enthusiasm came down a bit. We went back to the training. The day was over and everyone moved out of the room thanking Dr.Sastry. While I thanked him, understanding my reticence he said, "It is worth the effort. You can do it". This gave me tons of hope and confidence. PMP certification was on top of my mind.

After settling down in my new assignment, I went through the formal training on PMP. Upon completion, I scheduled my exam. I suspended some my hobbies like Blogging, Guitar, networking etc. to prepare for my examination.

As our project was at helm of affairs and I shared major responsibilities, I could not prepare well for the exams and kept postponing my exams. Finally I had to schedule my exam as my eligibility was expiring and so I did. I had very little time and I slogged in the last few weeks.

Unfortunately, a couple of days before the exam, I suffered Supraventricular Tachycardia and was hospitalized. I was out of action for more than a month.

Under extenuating circumstances, my eligibility was extended by PMI. With my ailment my conviction and commitment for PMP certification only surged.

I scheduled my exam again and decided not to postpone, come what may. This time I had no excuse and was committed to the date. I prepared well and appeared for the exam and cleared the exam in my belated first attempt.

To say the least, I was thrilled to see the "CONGRATULATIONS" message on the screen after completing the test. There was a lot of satisfaction and joy of accomplishment. To restate Dr.Sastry,"It was really a tough examination" and the toughest of all I have taken so far.

All is Well that Ends Well.

Thanks Dr.Sastry for triggering the desire in me.

I thank my Wife, children and other family members for supporting and encouraging me.

At the cost of repetition, I have to thank my EMPLOYERS for having taken me this far.

Today I am a PMP, a two year dream realized.