We are thrilled to introduce the newest group of scholarship recipients for the Mission43 Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Course! This program is dedicated to empowering Idaho’s transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses by offering scholarships to attend a rigorous 4-day PMP exam preparation course, leading to PMP certification. By eliminating financial barriers and equipping participants with highly sought-after project management skills, this program has already showcased tremendous value to both course attendees and Idaho employers.
With a remarkable 92% first-time exam pass rate, and average salary increases exceeding the 32% national average, the Mission43 PMP Certification Course is a vital stepping stone for individuals seeking to prove their leadership experience and expertise in project management. By bringing together professionals from diverse industries, this course enables participants to showcase their globally recognized body of knowledge, providing a unique advantage to Idaho businesses in search of adept project management talent.
Congratulations to the members who were selected out of a highly-competitive applicant pool! Learn more about this cohort and their professional goals:
Christopher Ammon is a Facility Manager for the Idaho Cleanup Project at the Idaho National Laboratory. With a service background as a U.S. Army Combat Engineer and a Bachelor’s degree from Utah State University, Christopher seeks to expand his project management knowledge to be able to advance in management roles within his organization.
“I am excited to attend this course to help develop the knowledge needed to further my career and become more of a leader for the Idaho Cleanup Project.”
Clint Been recently separated from the Army National Guard after 12 years of dedicated service. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, Clint now works in the private sector, supporting the Navy as the Naval Spent Fuel Handling Facility Construction and Commissioning Manager. With a $3 billion construction project at the Idaho National Labs under his management, Clint recognizes the value of a PMP certification for professional advancement. Clint looks forward to mastering project management skills and navigating complex endeavors with proficiency and distinction.
“Earning the PMP certificate increases my value to my current employer and my value as a prospect in the future.”
Chris Bibeau is a retired Marine Corps officer with a background in attack aviation, military law enforcement, and multiple security disciplines. He holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in History from the University of New Mexico, and is in pursuit of a dual MPA and MBA. Currently, Chris is a Program Manager at the Idaho National Laboratory, specializing in operational technology cybersecurity research and development. Chris hopes to earn the PMP certification to increase his skillset to better enable performance in his current role. Ultimately, Chris intends on starting his own international non-profit organization involved with disaster relief and environmental cleanup.
Eric Hamp is a retired Air Force veteran with experience in radio communications systems, imagery intelligence analysis, and logistics plans. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies and is a Certified Gate Automation Designer. Eric is currently an Assistant Project Manager with a Boise, ID based organization specializing in perimeter security solutions. As he continues to advance in an expanding company, he is excited to enhance his project management skills to continue to bring value to his organization.
Brandon Eldredge is a United States Marine Corps veteran who specialized in supply chain and acquisition. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management from SNHU and works with the Idaho Cleanup Project as an Operations and Remediation Manager for the Idaho Environmental Coalition. Brandon is looking forward to earning the PMP certification to further develop his project management knowledge and undertake larger, more complex projects.
“I’m proud to be part of the Mission 43 PMP course because, as a veteran, society can sometimes write us off as damaged goods. This opportunity flies directly in the face of those kinds of assumptions and creates opportunity for veterans with the drive to succeed. I’m very grateful.”
Jonathan Fisher retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service in the aviation maintenance field. Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s in Aeronautics, Bachelor’s in IT Network Operations and Security, and a Master’s in Management. His professional certifications include CompTIA Security+, and the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge from Cloud Security Alliance. Jonathan has worked as an IT Auditor for two startups and is currently serving as a Cybersecurity Analyst for the Idaho National Laboratory. He is looking forward to utilizing the knowledge from the PMP certification to better understand the business processes in developing and leading projects.
Cole Gebhardt served 9 years in the Minnesota National Guard and as an Infantry Squad Leader in Iraq. Cole holds a Bachelor’s in Business Entrepreneurship and Communication Studies from the University of Minnesota. He has an extensive background in maintenance and engineering, having worked with companies such as Coca-Cola Refreshments, Unilever, and Blue Bunny Ice Cream. Cole is motivated to earn the PMP certification to increase his knowledge in project management as he seeks new career opportunities in Idaho Falls.
Monte Hackman retired from the Army after serving for 20 years, with experience in aviation maintenance, standardization instruction, and senior level advising. Monte currently serves as a facilitator and technical consultant for Reliability Solutions, where he delivers classes that focus on essential skills to enhance the precision maintenance principles and overall production and reliability of industry equipment. Monte aims to leverage the PMP certification to position himself competitively in the job market as opportunities for advancement arise.
“I’m excited for this chance to earn my PMP because I feel like I could take the knowledge and experience from my military career, along with this certification, and make a difference for my employer, my family, and my community. I’m hoping this certification will open those doors for me.”
Landon Hillyard retired from the U.S. Navy as a Submarine Officer, responsible for command and control of the nuclear power plant and submarine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University and a Master’s in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University. Landon currently serves as the Conduct of Operations Program, Standards, and Execution Manager at Battelle Energy Alliance and aspires to become a Nuclear Facility Manager for an advanced reactor. Landon sees the PMP certification as a valuable asset for executing projects surrounding the development and deployment of advanced reactors.
Mitchell Kerman is the Director of Institutional Planning and Programs at Idaho National Laboratory, responsible for providing effective and efficient institutional and strategic planning processes and programs to the INL research community. A retired U.S. Navy Commander with 27 years of combined active duty and reserve experience in submarine and naval coastal warfare, Mitchell holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Systems Engineering, and Master’s of Science in Operations Analysis, and a PhD in Systems Engineering. With over 20 years of project management experience, Mitchell seeks formal PMP certification to expand his knowledge and value to his employer.
Jonathan Reimer is currently transitioning from active duty military service as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer with 8 years of service in conventional and special operations units. Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwest Nazarene University and is pursuing the PMP certification to increase his marketability for post-military employment and explore new opportunities for professional growth. Jonathan is hoping to gain employment in Idaho Falls and aspires to serve in a supervisory role where he can use his leadership background and organizational skills to drive positive change.
Tasha Rogers is a military spouse and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Her leadership experience flourished during her time as a Field Engineer in the oil field, where she played a pivotal role. Building upon her expertise, she transitioned to the commercial HVAC industry, overseeing the design, planning, and installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in both new construction and existing buildings. Tasha is currently seeking new project management employment opportunities. This invaluable experience will enable her to expand her professional skills and pave the way for a rewarding project management career in Idaho Falls.
Michael Ruddell is a Navy veteran with a background as a Nuclear Technician and Submariner. Serving his country for 8 years, Michael gained extensive experience in his field. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Technology Management with a Nuclear Technology concentration, and is currently pursuing an MBA in Construction Management. As the Operations Program Manager for the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment at Idaho National Laboratory, Michael seeks to apply PMP tools and concepts to the development, construction, deployment, and demonstration of novel nuclear reactors.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with the veteran community, expanding my knowledge base, and leveraging my certification to explore the next generation of nuclear energy production.”
Sean Williams is currently serving in the Idaho Air National Guard as the 124th Fighter Wing Program Manager and Special Projects Lead. Sean holds an AAS in Electronic Systems Technology and an AAS in Military Strategic Operations. In his civilian career, he serves as a Contracts Administrator and Instructor for Fluor Marine Propulsion. Eager for professional growth and advancement, Sean seeks to expand his project management knowledge and earn a valuable certification that will help him excel in his civilian and military roles.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Mission43 PMP Certification Course, or are an employer seeking to hire PMP certified members, contact us at [email protected].
The Mission43 Education Discovery Series highlights educational pathways to some of the most highly sought-after careers in Idaho for military members, veterans, and their spouses. In this session, we sit down with Project Management Institute Authorized Training Provider, Dr. Brian Salk of Pinnacle Professional Development, who walks us through the project management training and employment outlook as well as two veteran Mission43 members who have earned their PMP certification and applied it to career success.
In today’s dynamic job market, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification holds significant value. According to recent employment statistics, project management roles are projected to increase by 7% in the next eight years, much faster than the average for many other occupations. This demand presents a fantastic opportunity for members seeking fulfilling and well-compensated careers.
Veteran and Senior Project Manager at Leidos, Lucian Lett, provides his experience in earning promotions after obtaining the PMP certification.
PMP-certified professionals are highly sought after across diverse industries such as construction, IT, healthcare, finance, and more. They possess the skills and knowledge to lead successful projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation, effective communication, and timely delivery. With an average salary of $116,000 per year in Idaho, PMP-certified professionals enjoy competitive compensation and growth potential.
Project management is a versatile field applicable to various industries and job roles. The skills and competencies acquired through the PMP certification are transferable, allowing you to excel in diverse sectors. Military experience provides a solid foundation that can be effectively translated into project management success.
Sven Anderson, veteran, Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellow, and QMS Training Specialist at Amazon, gives insight into how the PMP certification prepared him for his career post military transition and how he applies his project management skills in a non-project manager role.
Proper preparation is the key to success. Invest time in understanding the exam structure and utilizing reputable study resources.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the certifying body for the Project Management Professional certification (PMP). Only PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs) have access to licensed content that is directly related to the PMP exam. ATPs are vetted for quality and continuously receive materials and instruction from PMI.
With an exam that is based on many editions of the PMBOK Guide and consistently updated to meet evolving industry demands, training providers that are not PMI ATPs must make educated guesses on current exam content, with a considerable separation between when a change is made and when it shows up in non-ATP material.
While there are costs associated with the PMP certification, it’s essential to view it as an investment in your future. The long-term benefits, including higher earning potential, career advancement, and increased marketability, far outweigh the initial expenses. Many military members have successfully transitioned into project management careers and attribute their success to obtaining the PMP certification.
The PMP exam application can be intimidating for many transitioning military members, veterans, and their spouses who may struggle with translating their experience using PMI terminology. Credible training will help make those connections, and the formula below can be used to structure each project.
Project Title: Name of the project
Business case/objective: The purpose and goal(s) for the project/why it was initiated
Description:
State your role (project manager, project lead, project director, etc)
Brief description of your duties and responsibilities using the project management process groups of initiating (IN), planning (PL), executing (EX), monitoring and controlling (MC), and closing (CL).
Deliverable(s): What unique product/goal/service did your project create?
Outcome: Was it on time, on budget, successfully implemented or otherwise?
CLICK HERE for a more detailed overview of translating your experience and filling out the PMP exam application.
The PMP exam tests your knowledge and application of project management principles, processes, and best practices. Review the PMP Exam Content Outline provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to understand the domains, tasks, and skills covered in the exam. This will guide your study plan and help you focus on the areas that require more attention.
Develop a structured study plan that fits your schedule and learning style. Allocate dedicated time for studying, practice exams, and reviewing concepts. Use reputable PMP exam prep resources, such as study guides, practice questions, and Authorized Training Provider courses. Consider programs specifically designed to support military members, veterans, and their spouses in successfully reaching PMP certification. The Mission43 PMP Course application window is open year-round, with cohorts throughout the state, and offers comprehensive training specifically tailored to the needs of Idaho’s military community.
Here are some great on-the-go resources to get started:
Pocket prep: Professional Pocket Prep has a downloadable app in both a free and monthly subscription version. This handy app gives you access to PMI PMP content 24/7. When you have 5-10 minutes to spare, you can take a few question quiz, answer the question of the day, and test your weakest areas.
Project Management Happy Hour Podcast: There’s no easier way to get study time in than by adding it to your commute, daily chores, or even before bed routine by listening to podcasts and other materials. We like the Project Management Happy Hour because it features real project managers in various industries that help increase the connection between knowledge concepts and application.
Projectified Podcast: The Projectified Podcast is the official podcast of PMI that features dynamic thought leaders and practitioners who share their real-world experiences and expertise to inform, inspire and prepare you for success.
Obtaining the PMP certification can be a transformative step in your career journey as a military member, veteran, or spouse. The certification showcases your project management expertise, enhances your employability, and positions you for success in a growing field. If you want more information on resources provided, fill out the contact form and let us know how we can assist you!