Get Ready Programme
The Get Ready Programme is where theory meets practice. If you’re a recent graduate or unemployed early career professional struggling to break into PM, this programme gives you what every employer asks for but few provide: practical experience.
Hands-on experience that transforms graduates into leaders
An experiential development programme for 8–10 unemployed or early career graduates, placing you within PMI South Africa Chapter portfolio activities for mentorship, skill-building, and real project management experience.
About get ready
The Get Ready Programme is where theory meets practice. If you’re a recent graduate or unemployed early career professional struggling to break into PM, this programme gives you what every employer asks for but few provide: practical experience.
Over 6–12 months, you’ll be embedded in PMI South Africa’s portfolio activities, working alongside experienced professionals to deliver real events, content, and programmes.
Over 6–12 months, you’ll be embedded in PMI South Africa’s portfolio activities, working alongside experienced professionals to deliver real events, content, and programmes.
This Is Not an Internship. This Is a Launchpad.
Ideal Candidates
- Recent Graduates (0–2 years out of university) — Degrees in engineering, IT, business, or related fields. You've got the education — now you need the experience.
- Unemployed Early Career Professionals — You've had some work experience but are currently between roles. You're willing to invest time to build your skills and network.
- Career Switchers — You're pivoting into project management from another field and need practical PM experience to make the transition.
- Motivated Self-Starters — Willing to commit 10–15 hours per week, take ownership, and show up consistently for 6–12 months.
What you'll gain
The value exchange
For You
- Real project management experience you can put on your CV
- Mentorship from PMI South Africa Chapter senior volunteers
- Professional network across multiple industries
- PMI membership and access to resources
- Leadership development and soft skills training
- Portfolio of deliverables (events, content, designs)
- Professional references
- Potential job connections through corporate outreach
For PMI South Africa Chapter
- Increased delivery capacity for ECP programmes
- Fresh perspectives and energy from young professionals
- New PMI South Africa Chapter members contributing to the 800-member goal
- Sustainable volunteer pipeline for future leadership
Connect with a global community of more than 750,000 Project Professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Our Chapter isn’t just an organization; it’s your professional home — a dynamic, local hub dedicated solely to accelerating your career and amplifying your impact as a project professional in South Africa.
Is this a paid programme?
Get Ready is a volunteer-based experiential learning programme, not a paid internship. The value is in the experience, mentorship, and portfolio you build. However, PMI South Africa Chapter will support your PMI membership during the programme.
How much time do I need to commit?
Approximately 10–15 hours per week, with flexibility around your schedule. Most work is virtual and can be done asynchronously.
Do I need to be a PMI member to apply?
No, but you’ll need to become a PMI member if selected (we’ll support this process).
What if I live outside Johannesburg?
No problem! The programme is primarily virtual, so you can participate from anywhere in South Africa.
Will this lead to a job at PMI-SA?
PMI-SA is a volunteer-run chapter, so there are no staff positions. However, the experience, network, and references you gain often lead to employment opportunities with our corporate partners and within the broader PM industry.
