Sayazhan Yeralina in Kazakhstan
In this new blog series, I’d like to ask some questions to people from different countries, backgrounds, professions, and genders who have all one thing in common: volunteering. I hope you’ll get inspired by their journeys and take the leap into volunteering.
Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.
Sayazhan Yeralina is an accomplished project control specialist based in Astana, Kazakhstan. She holds a Master's degree in Construction Management from the University of Reading and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Satbayev University. With over six years of experience in construction, oil, and gas, Sayazhan has expertise in project planning, cost control, and earned value management. She has been part of major international projects, including the FGP-WPMP project at the Tengiz oilfield. She works as a Planning Engineer and actively volunteers with the PMI Kazakhstan Chapter and other initiatives.
Connect with Sayazhan to know more:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayazhan-yeralina-mapm-aape-4676ba88/
How did you begin to volunteer?
During the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, I saw an advertisement on social media about a project supporting children through online education. Inspired to help, I felt compelled to share my knowledge and encourage children to continue their studies despite the challenges. I applied to the program, eager to contribute to the community. It’s been four years, and I am still participating in various volunteer projects and truly enjoy making a positive impact.
Why did you continue volunteering?
I continued volunteering because it became a fulfilling part of my life. Witnessing the positive impact on the children's education and well-being was incredibly rewarding. Volunteering allowed me to connect with my community, develop new skills, and gain a broader perspective on the importance of support and education.
How has volunteering helped you in your career?
- Currently, I am actively engaged as a volunteer at the PMI Kazakhstan Chapter, where I contribute by translating the PMBOK 7th edition into Kazakh. This project has been a profound learning experience for me, both professionally and personally. Translating the PMBOK into Kazakh is a ground-breaking effort as it has never been done before. This opportunity has filled me with a sense of honour and challenge simultaneously. Through this project, I have significantly expanded my project management knowledge, which is incredibly valuable as I aspire to become a PMP in the future. Working alongside experienced project managers has been a privilege, allowing me to share insights, receive feedback, and learn from their expertise. This collaborative environment has enhanced my project management skills such as leadership, teamwork, stakeholder management, communication, organizational, and time management. Our daily meetings to discuss project status and issues, along with engaging in team-building activities like our "Coffee talk" sessions, have fostered a strong sense of friendship and productivity within the team. Overall, my experience with this project has been vastly fulfilling and contributed significantly to my growth as a project management professional.
Over the past four years, I have been involved in a global initiative dedicated to supporting women in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) sector. This initiative is focused on promoting gender diversity within the construction industry while also facilitating educational programs aimed at enhancing BIM awareness. Through my active involvement in this project, I have experienced significant professional growth. One notable benefit has been the expansion of my professional network. I have had the opportunity to connect with influential leaders, potential mentors, and like-minded peers who share a passion for promoting women in BIM. Furthermore, volunteering in this initiative has allowed me to develop and refine crucial leadership and organizational skills. For instance, speaking at industry events has honed my ability to lead and communicate effectively, boosting my confidence and allowing me to showcase my expertise to a broader audience.
Would you encourage other people to volunteer, and if so, why?
As I mentioned earlier, volunteering is a rewarding experience that benefits the community, and also enriches our own lives in meaningful ways. Therefore, I encourage others to become a volunteer.
Firstly, it allows you to contribute positively to your community. Whether it's an environmental conservation, social justice, or education, your efforts can make a real difference in the lives of others.
Second of all, volunteering offers opportunities for personal development and growth. You can learn new skills, gain valuable experience, and discover hidden talents you might not have explored otherwise.
Lastly, it is a fantastic way to expand your network and meet new people. You can connect with like-minded individuals, potential mentors or collaborators, and build meaningful relationships that can benefit you both personally and professionally.
