In 2008 Munya Katumba achieved the Diploma in Programme and Project Management by distance learning. Not content with only gaining this degree level qualification from the Chartered Management Institute, Munya has gone on to be awarded ‘Chartered Manager’ – the hallmark of a Professional Manager.
Report by Kate Winter, APM Group.
Are you still working for the Love Botswana Outreach Mission and in what capacity?
I left Love Botswana Outreach Mission (LBOM) in October 2008 were I worked as Projects and Programmes Director for Mercy Ministry(HIV and AIDS, orphanage and livelihoods) to join AoB AgriB [A livestock feed manufacturing company in Botswana] as a Special Projects Director. I am LBOM’s ambassador and I have continued to play an advisory role on projects, programmes management. There are still a lots of young people who seek my advice on issues that relate to HIV/AIDS and general counselling.
Why did you first embark on your PPM Diploma?
I first thought of doing a project management qualification in 2003 when I was working for an NGO in Maun Botswana as a Project Coordinator. I was working with people living with HIV and AIDS and thought by learning Project Management I would better serve the communities I was working with. I wanted to be more confident and efficient in my job.
I decided to embark on the PPM Diploma because:
- It’s a degree level qualification and would give me a remarkable learning history.
- The PPM Diploma would give me practical skills and knowledge to instantly apply at work.
- I had full access to the CMIs Resource Centres for Management
- I wanted to gain skills and knowledge on project and programme management techniques and achieve a complete professional qualification that would lead me towards Chartered Manager status and membership of Chartered Management Institute.
Did you have a degree level qualification before you achieved the Diploma?
I did not have a degree level qualification but had vast experience which made me pass my interview which was conducted by The Projects Group (now Aikona) before enrolling for the diploma. I had a programme/project role within my previous job which also made me to qualify to enroll for the DPPM.
What made you want to continue your studies?
All assignments gave me the opportunity to apply the new skills and gained knowledge to my workplace. My employer was thrilled with my practical application and improvement in quality of my work that half way through the programme I was promoted to take major responsibilities.
I became a student member of the Chartered Management Institute which gave me full access to the Institute's Resource Centre. I had the ultimate goal of becoming a Chartered Manager. My tutor Jan Underdown was very supportive and allowed me to call or e-mail anytime I needed help. She was excellent in providing guidance to me. As my mentor to date I would safely say she has been excellent in the development of my PPM knowledge base, competencies and behaviours that have enabled me to perform and meet my strategic and career development targets. The people at TPG Academy were very helpful and handled me as their very special student/client.
What did you have to do to achieve the Chartered Manager Status?
The process of gaining the status was a key opportunity to analyse what I do well in order to achieve official recognition. Successful Chartered Manager status looked at what impact I had in the previous 18 months from the date of my Business Impact submission. I was assessed on what I had done to develop myself and what learning I had attained.
I had to demonstrate, via online submission, how I had developed as a manager and how I applied my leadership and change management skills to make a difference to my organizational performance.
I had a panel interview via telephone as I am based in Africa. Going through the process was challenging but rewarding.
What does the achievement mean to you?
When I did DPPM I qualified as a Project/Programme manager and proved that I knew the theory and the practical application. Chartered status has proved that I am indeed using it on the job, making a difference to my organization and getting results.
This achievement mean that I am recognized across sectors, industries and internationally which means it stays relevant to me and my organization throughout my career. And the requirement to revalidate every three years proves that I will consistently deliver the right results.
A Chartered Manager demonstrates ability and professionalism across the full range of management skills through continuing self-development and evidence-based learning.
The award of Chartered Manager provides me with independent recognition of my management skills and the positive impact I am having in the workplace.
What are your next career steps?
I am interested in doing PRINCE2® Practitioner, Managing Successful Programmes(MSP®) and Project Management for Developmental Professionals (PMD Pro).
I also would like to pursue Msc. Strategic Management and Leadership or MBA. I have to make up my mind soon so that I start by end of this year and use it for my CPD when I renew my Chartered Manager status in three years. My mentor Jan Underdown suggested I do an MBA.
What has been your proudest achievement to date?
Meeting the requirements to enroll and get on the process of official recognition as a Chartered Manager shows my achievement of having an individual quality management standard of my own capability.
For more information about Chartered Manager and the Chartered Management Institute visit: www.managers.org.uk/cmgr
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