ita, I just got this e-mail from my mom about PMI:

I am a member of PMI. They are the organization that sponsors the PMP exam and has pretty much set the standard in project management.

There are several reasons to join.

1. It is a well respected professional organization. It is a quality organization and the MassBay chapter which meets in Burlington is very good and quite active. Their monthly meetings are quite good. They bring in speakers from around the country.

2. Members get discounts on some classes and a reduced cost for taking the exam.

3. Once you pass the exam, you are required to accumulate 60 PDUs (like continuing education credits) every three years in order to keep your certification. If you let that lapse, you have to retake the exam. And anyone who has taken it once knows he doesn’t want to take it again! You can get 1 PDU for each chapter event you attend and those are at a reduced rate for members. So you can get up to half of your PDUs by attending chapter meetings.

4. It is a good place to network.

5. The MassBay chapter has a job referral program. PMI also has a place where you can post your resume.

Hope this helps. PMI and WITI (Women In Technology International) are the two professional organizations I have chosen to be active in.

Thanks, vw. I'm appalled at the effort facing me, but it's possible that's just the migraine talking. I have no idea if I'd ever use the other PMI benefits than the discounts, but those look worth it right there.

oooh, I know of WITI. Good organization.

I used to be in WITI. It was a while back. I never did anything with it. I'm uninvolved and unambitious that way.

Hi, sorry to disappear. But yes, Kat, those are the knives.

Also? I'm neither tall nor short, unless you're ita, in which case I'm short. I'm 5'5".

I am bone tired. Think I should head home.

I favour home.

Sushi: chopsticks or not?

Chopsticks, unless I'm feeling really lazy.

Women in Science

This article explores this fourth possible explanation for the dearth of women in science: They found better jobs.

...

Adjusted for IQ and working hours, jobs in science are the lowest paid in the United States.

(This article also argues why Polter-Cow made the right career choice)

The only thing that make me remarkable in my extended living family is that I've got the largest rack. By far. It's all my paternal grandmother's fault. I'm the only one to inherit it thus far. I would much have preferred some other characteristic.

No chopsticks. It's schwanky finger food!

What amych said.