According to Project Management World Today’s (PMWT) interest in learning about the development of the Project Management Profession worldwide, I met with Mr. German Bernate, president of the PMI Bogota Chapter. While sharing a wonderful Colombian Coffee, Mr. Bernate explained to me the actual situation of the Project Management profession in Colombia, and shared some of his experiences as President of this chapter. The following is a synthesis of the opinions that Mr. Bernate generously shared with PMWT.

PMWT – What is the actual Picture of PMI in Colombia, and particularly in the Bogotá Chapter?

German Bernate (GB) – Actually, There are 900 members of PMI in Colombia, 308 of them are members of the Bogotá Chapter. The intention of the chapter is to continue growing, attracting the other 600 Colombian members who are not registered into the chapter and that are mainly interested in receiving material from PMI and not on being part of our activities.

PMWT - What is the situation regarding PMI certifications in Colombia?

GB - At this moment, there are 117 certified PMPs in the country, and one CAPM. The chapter maintains a strong activity to motivate professionals to become certified. There is a clear interest on PMI certifications since companies give value to it, mainly to the PMP certificate, so it gives additional points at the moment of applying for a job position. However as everybody knows the PMP certificate requires a minimum amount of experiences and an important level of studies, which are not easy to reach. We try to motivate the professionals on becoming certified, showing to them the benefits this could bring.

 

Read complete interview in English | Spanish