The IPMA (International Project Management Association) have just announced the opening for applications for the IPMA 2011 Young Project Manager Award and this year I’m hoping we see applications from the UK. Last year I took part in the award as a judge alongside a few other project professionals from across the world. Whilst the 
quality of the finalists was high I couldn’t help but be a little disappointed that there was no one from the UK so hopefully this year I can encourage others to get involved.
So what is the Young Project Manager Award all about?
The IPMA Young Crew, the global organization dedicated to supporting future leaders in project management, introduced the award in 2006 as a way to recognise rising talent in the project and programme management industries by honoring young project managers for their accomplishments early in their careers. These honorees have demonstrated invaluable impact to the profession and for the companies for whom they work, and are on the fast track to becoming project leaders and influencers on an international scale.
So how “young” do I have to be?
The IPMA Young Project Manager Award is open to project managers aged 18 to 35 at the time of application who have worked or are currently working on a project for at least six months.
Members and non-members of IPMA are eligible to apply. Finalists and winner of the award will each receive a financial sponsorship of 1,500€ to attend the IPMA Young Crew Conference and Workshop in Brisbane, Australia in October 2011.
How do I know if I’m good enough?
The criteria for evaluation of the award are based upon the ICB International Competence Baseline, and finalists will be chosen based upon the strength of their overall nomination package.
The ICB International Competence Baseline covers the technical, behavioural and contextual elements of project management – you can find a copy here – a competency framework much like the one available from the APM.
If you’ve been leading and managing a project that you know you’ve done a good job on now is the time to make sure you get recognition for it – don’t sit back and wait for a pat on the back from others – sometimes in this life you’ve just got to blow your own trumpet
The first round of the Award is a straight forward application form and submission of your CV:
>> Take a look at the application form
Initial applications will be accepted until midnight on 17th June 2011.
So what are you waiting for? Go for it and good luck – I look forward to seeing the UK dominate 
Image – lejoe
