Abdirahman H Osman Ahmed, Bachelor of Project Management

A Letter of Experience at AIUI was enrolled in the Business and Economics school of AIU in 2012 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Project Management. The objective of my enrolment was to acquire a degree from a world-class university in order to advance my professional status. Over the past several years, the learning journey has been quite exciting and productive as well. In this letter, I would like to highlight some of my key accomplishments and lessons learned during that period of learning and personal development opportunity as part of my graduation requirements in 2021. First of all, I began the journey with a review of resume that was conducted my Academic Advisor. As a result, I was awarded 80 credit based on my working experience in project management especially in the humanitarian field in Somalia. I have been working for several international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Somalia and have held numerous positions in project design and management. I have also attended a number training workshops in organizational management and project management. I have also been involved providing capacity building training to Somali NGOs staff members in project design and proposal development. Second, I have developed three book essays (FractalTime, BuildingSocialBusiness and InDefenseofGlobalization) intended to expand my understanding of international development and global issues. I must say these essays have expanded my analytical skills and capacity in tackling a number complex developmental and organizational management issues. I was able through these books to relate experience of the authors to the most challenging issues faced by the NGOs operating in Somalia context today and drew practical lessons learned. Third, one of the most exciting experience during my study was developing my own curriculum of the course. This has been a remarkable undertaking. I was able to review several curricula/programs developed by international reputable universities and choose as relevant to my current job challenges and future career advancement. It was at this particular time when I was encountered the valuable international book of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which was published by Project Management Institute (PMI). I have also reviewed PMPro considered foundational knowledge for those who are involved in the design, implementation in humanitarian settings. Combined, I have used the two manuals as a fundamental reference during the learning journey. Working on individual assignment in Phase One was very critical component of the study. Each assignment takes four to six weeks to complete. Sometimes even longer depending on my available time. My learning program was excellent and flexible as well. No pressure whatsoever. My Academic Advisor marks and comments my assignments on time. I was also provided new books for reading and reference. I have to mention the flexibility involved paying fees of my courses. I had to complete paying all the fees of the course during first 12 months of the course. The process of payment was easy simple and affordable. Affordability by the meaning of the word is quite commendable at AIU. Without this, I won’t be as successful as I am today. I am very much grateful to all AIU management, tutors, academic advisors and staff. It has been a remarkable experience to be part of AIU family.Best Regards. Abdirahman H Osman