Name: Nicholas Cook 

Current Rank: Technical Sergeant

Current Position: C-17A Evaluator Loadmaster, Academic Instructor, 435th Training Squadron

With what service of the military are you affiliated? United States Air Force

How long have you been serving? 16 years

How did you hear about and become involved in PMI? I first learned about PMI in my graduate program. Toward the end I was doing a lot of research, writing papers and I wanted to be involved. January of 2025, I made the commitment to earn my PMP to couple it with my MBA and took the Prep Course with C5T in Illinois. While working through the PMP process I found the St. Louis Chapter and got involved that way.

What advice do you have for current or past military members who want to pursue a career in project management? The military doesn’t last forever. Eventually there will come a time when you are going to have to translate your military experience into civilian expectations. Gaining a certification in project management is the easiest way to do that. Go to school. Do your research. Whether you are doing 4-years, 6-years, or a full 20-year career finish off your resume with a certification in an area that translates to almost every civilian sector. The best part: The military will pay for all of it.