Why we congratulate new PMPs on LinkedIn

PMI members and certification holders are a tribe that is over 2M strong. They are a part of a larger movement, a “can do” mindset, that makes a difference for everyone involved.

You may have noticed the sheer volume of congratulations on LinkedIn every time a Project Manager announces they’ve passed the PMP. Often you see more congratulations on a new PMP than you do with college or MBA graduations. As a PMI community, this is important because it’s not only a recognition of the achievement, but also a demonstration of the support that the community will provide for you, once you’ve become a member. It’s our way of saying, “Hey, I’m here for you if you need help.”

The quotes below give you a sense of the “what’s in it for me” for people that are probably a lot like you.

Haneen Aljedaani’s PMP announcement was a warm introduction to the community. (Note: Haneen’s PMP post received 2,281 likes on LinkedIn. She has been awarded many certifications, but just as a point of comparison, her Google Certificate in Project Management was well liked, but on a different scale entirely.)

“As I did not expect to have such a reception for my accomplishment, it was quite a surprise to see so many people reaching out and congratulating me. This community is certainly special - I did not have nearly the same reception when completing my masters! The effect that this had on me brought an important fact to light: we should always reach out and celebrate the accomplishments of others, because community brings support in many unforeseen ways. I encourage the PMI and community to keep doing what they're doing because it makes a difference.”

Christopher Baker’s PMP announcement was a bonding experience that surfaced new opportunities.

"Many of my former co-workers congratulated me, and it was nice to reconnect with them. I also received congratulations from others who were studying for the test. We all supported each other's success, like you would if you graduated together. This achievement has also opened up new opportunities. Recruiters have been reaching out frequently since the PMP posting. I know there are many opportunities available."

LaWanda Parkins Stacy’s PMP announcement helped demonstrate a path to success for others.

“The PMP exam is a challenging exam and in the midst of my preparation, I felt like I wasn't going to pass. Being a part of a community and receiving so much support and guidance is the primary reason I passed the exam. When I passed I felt as a thank you to the community that I wanted to share all of the information that I learned while passing the PMP exam to help others.”

Alain Nshuti’s PMP announcement allowed him to share tips and advice with others studying for the exam.

“I believe passing PMP instilled more confidence in the project management skills that I had already acquired, & obviously, people congratulating me & approaching me through inbox & asking how they can approach studying for the PMP exam made me happy & willing to share tips I used to pass.”

You will also notice many of our community leaders congratulating new PMPs for a variety of personal reasons.

Tony Appleby, a former Board Chair at PMI, sees his congratulations as a way of giving back to the community he loves.

"It's purely just part of the joy in helping to give back to the larger community which supports one another in so very many ways. I know of many folks that are in-between jobs and need that extra boost of confidence that getting their PMP brings. Others have been powering through other life changes, like the loss of a loved one, a financial catastrophe, or a sense of underachievement. And focusing on a goal like passing the PMP exam helps them drive towards the next chapter in their personal lives. And how can we not stand by them and celebrate their success?"

Lee Lambert, a Founder of the PMP, acknowledges the achievement as a way of recognizing and celebrating the hard work and dedication that goes into earning the PMP certification

“I do it for a very simple personal reason: when I was younger, I often wondered if anybody noticed when I did something good. I want people to know I notice their PMP accomplishment, and it makes them feel good about themselves!!  Whenever I can, I personalize them by using their name.”

All of this is a win-win for everyone involved. When you congratulate someone you don’t know, you make a great first impression. Do it a hundred times and one of your new connections might help you find your next opportunity. Keep going and you’ll be surprised how quickly project managers recognize you as a leader within the community.

At some point, many go one step further and become a volunteer, because “Great things happen when you volunteer for PMI.” Together we are a tribe, helping each other deliver on some of the most positive, meaningful work in the world.