April 12 2023 at 06:00PM
Volunteer Spotlight - Akanksha Singh
Ques: Tell us about yourself and what you do?
As a business analyst with a strong emphasis on project management and data analytics, I hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Engineering and am currently pursuing a Master's in IT Management. During my tenure as a business analyst, I actively engaged in agile-based team activities such as sprint and project planning. I proficiently prepared project scope documents, functional scenarios, application notes, and project plans, enabling me to gain a deeper understanding of project management methodologies. I have also been involved in analyzing customer data and building dashboards for stakeholders. This experience has enriched my insights into the critical role that data analytics plays in achieving project management goals.
As a member of the Project Management Institute since 2022, I have volunteered as a Business Intelligence Analyst for PMI SFBAC. In this role, I analyze data, provide insights, and coordinate with project teams to ensure efficient management of events. I am also responsible for onboarding and checking on volunteers, which has developed my communication and interpersonal skills, essential assets in project management.
Ques: When did you start volunteering with the chapter, and most importantly, why did you join PMI-SFBAC?
I started volunteering with PMI-SFBAC in December 2022. I met my manager, Vasanth, at a networking event, and after we chatted, I "cold-messaged" him on LinkedIn, thanking him for the conversation and mentioning that I was looking for internships. That's when Vasanth told me about PMI, and I immediately became interested. I had heard a lot about PMI from my college professors and seniors who spoke highly of the organization's values and contributions to the project management community.
Joining PMI-SFBAC was a no-brainer for me. Not only did I want to expand my project management skills and knowledge, but I also wanted to give back to the community and connect with like-minded professionals. Volunteering with PMI-SFBAC has been an amazing experience so far, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community that is dedicated to promoting excellence in project management.
What I love about PMI-SFBAC is its commitment to fostering professional development and providing networking opportunities. The diversity of professionals within the organization has allowed me to connect with people from various backgrounds and industries, which has been incredibly enriching.
Ques: What is your secret or super Project Management power? Why?
I believe that my superpower in project management is my ability to document everything, a value I learned from my previous organization. It may sound mundane, but maintaining detailed records of every project's scope, milestones, and deliverables has helped me stay organized and focused. Additionally, it ensures that everyone on the team is on the same page, reducing the risk of miscommunications and misunderstandings.
Another skill that I've honed over time is proactive listening. By actively listening to stakeholders' concerns and ideas, I can better manage expectations and ensure that all project goals are clear and well-understood. I always make sure to ask questions to clarify any uncertainties, which helps me stay ahead of any potential issues.
Lastly, I believe that making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process, a value that my previous organization instilled in me. I embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. Every mistake I've made has taught me something valuable, and I apply those lessons to future projects. I'm always looking for ways to improve and find more efficient ways to manage projects.
These values have helped me successfully manage projects in the past and will continue to be valuable assets in my future endeavors.
Ques: What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Looking back, I would tell my 20-year-old self to never turn down an opportunity, even if it seems overwhelming. There is so much to learn, and taking on new challenges and projects is a valuable way to gain experience and develop skills. While it's important to prioritize work-life balance, I would advise my younger self to get involved in as many projects as possible during the early stages of my career.
Moreover, I would emphasize the value of making mistakes and asking questions. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow, and asking questions demonstrates a willingness to learn and a desire to improve. I would advise my younger self to embrace new experiences, maintain curiosity, and always be open to learning and trying new things
Ques: What are your favorite activities outside of work?
Outside of work, I love exploring new things and seeking out new experiences. I believe that one should never limit themselves when it comes to hobbies and interests. Learning new things can be a lot of fun and can help you grow both personally and professionally. Recently, I have taken up bouldering and skating classes. While I may fall down countless times, the thrill of learning something new and challenging myself is what drives me to keep going. I believe that it's important to seek out discomfort and push ourselves out of our comfort zones. It's only through taking risks and trying new things that we can truly grow and expand our horizons. So, whether it's trying a new sport or learning a new skill, I'm always up for a new adventure.
