Vahterus strengthened its PMO, portfolio management and change management with PM Master

Even at this early stage, Vahterus had identified a need to define the direction of its PMO operations. Elina Seikola, who had progressed from a project manager role to PMO Manager, joined the PM Master® training programme to support this work. Seikola works in the project department, which is responsible for managing customer delivery projects.

The PM Master programme was originally delivered by Kumura, which has since become part of IQI.

PMO development tailored to Vahterus’s needs

“PM Master provided an exceptionally comprehensive programme covering PMO development, portfolio management and change management. It also gave due attention to the people leadership perspective.”

Elina Seikola
PMO Manager

PM Master includes a development assignment completed during the training programme. This allows participants to apply the theory in practice and use it to benefit both their own work and their organisation while the programme is still under way.

The assignment can focus, for example, on improving project management models or project portfolio management. As the development work began immediately, Seikola was able to complete it smoothly alongside the training programme.

“The development assignment enables participants to make concrete progress on an area that is currently important to their organisation and demonstrate the value of the PMO to other stakeholders.”

Markku Aarni
Lead Trainer, PM Master, CECC, IQI

Development assignments often focus on improving project and portfolio management practices and putting them into use. Other topics have included advancing change management and improving steering group practices.

CPMO® certification validates the expertise of PMO professionals

PM Master participants can also complete the Certified PMO Manager (CPMO®) certification, which is included in the programme fee. The certification demonstrates the ability to develop project management practices and lead change.

Seikola took the opportunity to complete the CPMO certification as part of the training programme. She found the certification exam reasonably demanding.

“However, studying the materials from the in-person training sessions prepared me well for the exam, even though not every topic was directly relevant to my own work or currently part of our organisation’s operations.”

Completing the CPMO certification requires participants to finish the PM Master programme, complete the development assignment and pass a demanding exam that assesses their overall expertise.

“The programme is not easy, but the effort helps clarify your thinking and identify the development path you want to pursue in both your organisation and your own professional capabilities,” Aarni says.

PM Master sparked new development ideas for every participant

Seikola praises the programme’s experienced trainers, visiting experts and practical case studies, which brought the content to life.

She recommends PM Master to both PMO professionals and those responsible for leading PMO operations.

“The programme sparked new ideas for developing their own organisations in every participant,” Seikola concludes.