Tuesday 25 October
When my line manager asked if I wanted to attend a 2 day APM Introductory Certificate course my first reaction was “Huddersfield! That’s miles away”. Living in the middle of Lincolnshire, train connections are few and far between, so I took the brave decision to drive the 2 ½ hour journey. Driving, at night, after a busy day in the office, is not one of my favourite pursuits. This in itself would be an accomplishment.
Friday 28 October
My 33 flash cards have arrived along with a “Mind Map”. Now I was really panicking. The mind map is terrifying. Imagine if I fail the exam when a colleague had just successfully completed MSP? I would be mortified. I have set about diligently memorising the complicated words and expressions associated with Project Management. I tried to enlist the help of my 16 year old daughter, but she was unimpressed with how much I had absorbed after my first hour studying. I begin to think I am too old (a little over 40) to be learning a foreign language.
Just a few of my Flash Cards
Then I re-read the covering letter that had accompanied my flash cards and discovered there was no need to learn them word perfect, but only to gain an understanding of the words. I began to relax. Still, the prospect of another 55 cards being given to me on the course without 2 weeks to learn them was quite daunting. At least staying in a hotel on my own I would have the benefit of no distractions.
Monday 7th November
Packing to spend 2 nights in Huddersfield. Trying to organise two teenagers to stay with their grandparents and remember all their school books and uniforms for 3 days. Re-arranging a dentist appointment and furniture delivery. I was wondering why I was putting myself through this. However, when I tried a sample exam paper I got around 90%, which I thought was quite good before I had done the course, even if I had learned the questions and answers parrot fashion!
Tuesday 8th November
The journey up to Huddersfield on wet, foggy Tuesday night was not a pleasant experience to endear me to the days ahead. It took 3 hours to do 110 miles. By the time I arrived at “The Huntsman Inn” my shoulders were aching with tension and I had to prise my fingers from the steering wheel. I was so tired I couldn’t even remember my own name and signed the register with a “married” name I hadn’t used for 4 years……. Things did not bode well. Luckily I was welcomed with a large, comfortable room, so after a revitalising shower and cup of tea I floated off to a dreamless sleep too tired to worry.
Wednesday 9th November
I woke with the nervousness of someone far from home, and about to embark on an intensive day with some strangers. I toyed with a tempting cooked breakfast, only to decide my stomach wouldn’t take it, and headed off to the training centre to arrive at 08.15. I was pleasantly surprised to find there were only 3 delegates on the course, and Fred, the trainer, quickly put us at our ease.
There followed an exhaustive day, full of facts, presentations, practical exercises and visual displays to help us understand project management. The trainer was excellent in keeping us focused, making it interesting, and speeding through the challenging work load. I was pleasantly surprised when we did practice exam questions at the end of each session to find I was achieving 90% (until the last session at 17.30 when brain overload and fatigue kicked in when my score dropped to 68%) and on a par with my peers.
I have to admit the day was much more enjoyable than I had anticipated. And there had been virtually no PowerPoint slides. I know from the feedback we receive from Focus delegates that PowerPoint overload can be a regular complaint of many attending certification courses.
By 17.50 I was back at my Hotel, feeling almost as shattered as the night before, and wondering where to start with my revision. The night passed in a haze. I briefly visited the fabulous restaurant, and ordered a lamb kebab starter, that I enjoyed while reading my manual, then back to my room for more revision. Eventually I decided it was pointless and I drifted off to another obligatory sleep.
Thursday 10th November
I woke at 5.45 with a feeling of dismay. I wished I was visiting Holmfirth with its weaver’s cottages, fast flowing river and dramatic Pennine scenery for a weekend break instead, and made a mental note to return to walk the fells. I lay for a while trying to forget the day ahead until I gave in and grabbed my notes.
This proved to be a slower paced day and before we knew it we had covered the syllabus, revised, and were ready for the exam. Time will tell how I have performed, but I do think it was harder than the practice papers. I can say the trainer, facilities and course work was first class, and the experience while overwhelming at times was worth the effort.
My work has regularly involved organising events – and for the past 5 years I have worked as a training advisor. Why did I not do this before?!
Our secret diarist attended an APM Introductory Certificate course in project management. It was delivered by Fred Murray Webster of Lucidus Consulting.
