Name: Evan Breedlove Title: Program Manager and PMP Exam Prep Course Director Organization: C5T
1) With what service of the military are/were you affiliated?
United States Air Force
2) How long did you serve?
22 years
3) How did you hear about and become involved in PMI?
Upon beginning my transition and scouring various job boards, all of the jobs I was drawn to either required or strongly desired a PMP certification. I found I could get the requisite 35 contact hours through a Syracuse University veterans’ program, while I worked in my new civilian job as a budget analyst supporting USTRANSCOM’s Training and Exercise Division.
While working through the Syracuse program, I was hired to my current job – again through a contact I made prior to retiring. My company was looking to expand program management as a core capability and began offering a PMP certification boot camp. Since I mentioned my desire to earn the PMP certification during the hiring process, I was given the opportunity to be in the inaugural class. Through the Syracuse program and my company’s boot camp, I successfully passed the exam on my first try. Along with my contract duties supporting USTRANSCOM’s Deliberate Plans Division, I also manage my company’s PMP Boot Camp program.
4) What advice do you have for current or past military members who want to pursue a career in project management?
My advice to anyone considering post-military employment is to pursue the PMP certification. Whether the job you land is in project management or not, the skills and techniques you learn along the way will make you an asset to your future employer.
