By Alexa Ramsey, CP APMP

Can you believe we’re seven weeks into 2024 already? The Greater Midwest Chapter is off to a great start. The chapter board held a kickoff meeting in January and our Indianapolis members held our first event of the year last week. We’re looking forward to starting our key chapter programs and participating in Bid & Proposal Con (BPC) for the third year in a row. I’m thrilled for the year to come!

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and jumping on the bandwagon/being mushy, the rest of this letter is going to focus on why I love my job. I love being a proposal management professional for many reasons, but my top are below.

• It’s Often a Mix of Three Jobs in One: I’ve spent most of my career in the architecture, engineering and construction space. In this industry, proposal management roles often take the form of a marketing strategist, content creator and project manager all in one. With taking on multiple roles, comes the opportunity to build upon multiple skill sets. Acting as a strategist allows you to build client relationship savvy, content creation enhances writing or design skills, and project management sharpens planning/scheduling/budgeting skills. I love proposal management because it creates the opportunity to develop well-rounded professional acumen. I’ve grown skillsets in so many areas from living out multiple roles at once.
• There’s Always Variety: Every pursuit and proposal is different. Each client has different wants and needs. Each request for proposal has different requirements. This forces critical thinking and customization. I love proposal management because each effort is unique. There is no day/week on the job which feels or is the same. This means, there is always the presence of a challenge and the ability to grow as a professional.
• It’s a Team Sport: As a proposal manager, you have to work closely with others. It’s not a solo game. There is a partnership with capture managers, sales professionals and technical experts. I love working with groups to accomplish a collective goal. Collaboration and winning with others make work fun.
• Professional Groups like APMP Exist: It’s such a blessing to have an organization like APMP dedicated to our profession. I remember finding APMP after being a proposal manager for five years. I walked into my first BPC and remember thinking, “I found my people. They understand my role/what I do.” I love having an organization to look to for proven processes and strategy. Having a network of individuals to turn to for insight and having certification to prove individual credibility is nothing short of amazing.

Why do you love being a proposal management professional?