Cornelius Fichtner is a well-known figure in the project management community, largely recognized for his digital resources at OSP International LLC, particularly the PM PrepCast, a popular tool for project managers preparing for the PMP® certification. While his exam preparation tools are widely used, the early stages and diverse experiences of his career path in project management, especially within project business management, are less familiar. In this article, we delve into the Career Part of Cornelius Fichtner, drawing from an insightful interview conducted by Martin Berneburg and Oliver Lehmann of the Project Business Foundation.
From Layoff to Banking: An Unexpected Career Turn
Following an unexpected layoff from an internet startup, Cornelius found himself at a career crossroads. Reflecting on this career part, Cornelius recalls the abruptness of the situation: “’Bye, bye. We don’t need you anymore.’ I was like flabbergasted. It was just completely unexpected.” This sudden shift led him to an internal project role within a bank. Interestingly, his new office was just across the street from his previous one, a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of career paths.
This role presented a unique scenario. While working for a bank in Boston, the department he joined was originally the IT and back-office of a bond management company in Newport Beach, California. Cornelius describes it as a “mixed engagement,” blurring the lines between a traditional internal role and project business. The department served a single client – the bond management company – creating a project business dynamic. However, the ingrained culture still felt like an internal department, fostering close relationships and a shared sense of purpose.
The absence of time-tracking and the annual renegotiation of costs further emphasized this unique environment. For six years, this remained the status quo until the introduction of a second client, which Cornelius describes as an “earthquake” to their established culture. This expansion forced a shift in dynamics and highlighted the transition from a singular client focus to a more traditional project business model.
The Power of Networking and Volunteering: A Pivotal Career Part
A significant career part of Cornelius’s journey involves his engagement with the Project Management Institute (PMI). His entry into the bank role was directly through PMI, highlighting the power of professional networking and volunteering. After a year of unemployment post-startup layoff, Cornelius dedicated his time to volunteering at the PMI Orange County Chapter, eventually becoming the Director of Programs.
It was through this volunteer work that the chapter president recognized his work ethic and offered him a job opportunity. Cornelius emphasizes, “So my recommendation to everybody is always the same. Volunteer for your local project management organization. I recommend volunteering for The Project Business Foundation.” This period underscores the importance of actively participating in professional communities to build connections and uncover career opportunities.
Honing Communication Skills: Toastmasters and Leadership Development
Another crucial career part in Cornelius’s development was his involvement with Toastmasters. Inspired by a flyer at a PMI event, he joined Toastmasters to improve his public speaking and communication skills. Initially hesitant and experiencing stage fright, Toastmasters proved transformative. It enabled him to refine his public speaking abilities, moving from “stuttering to being very comfortable being in front of people.”
This skill enhancement extended beyond public speaking. Cornelius took on leadership roles within Toastmasters, becoming president of the organization, and later, president of the PMI Orange County Chapter. These experiences were instrumental in his personal and professional growth, fostering confidence and leadership acumen. This period also sowed the seeds for his future entrepreneurial endeavors. His improved communication skills and leadership experience gave him the confidence to venture into podcasting. “It also gave me the belief when I came across podcasting at some point that said: Yeah, you can do this. You have all this public speaking. You know how to articulate. Your English is good enough. You know about project management. You know about business. You can start a podcast about project management, yeah and I did!”
From Employee to Entrepreneur: The Final Career Part
Culminating these diverse career parts was Cornelius’s decision to become an entrepreneur. After eight years in the “mixed engagement” role, he recognized the potential of his side business – The Project Management Podcast and PMP exam preparation training. In 2008, just before the global economy downturn, he made the leap to full-time entrepreneurship, founding his own company.
The timing, though seemingly precarious, turned out to be advantageous. The economic downturn led to widespread layoffs, including project managers seeking to enhance their credentials. Cornelius’s affordable PMP exam preparation resources became highly sought after, fueling his company’s growth from a one-person operation to a global team of 22.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Career Journey
Cornelius Fichtner’s career journey is a testament to adaptability, continuous learning, and the power of networking and skill development. From unexpected job loss to diverse roles in project business and internal projects, each career part contributed to his expertise and ultimately paved the way for his entrepreneurial success. His story provides valuable insights for project management professionals navigating their own career paths, highlighting the importance of embracing change, investing in self-improvement, and actively engaging with the project management community.
