PMI Certified: “I want the responsibility that comes with high-stakes projects" — Rahim Thompson on the CAPM, the PMP, and Putting People First
From journalist to project leader, Rahim Thompson’s career shows how storytelling and structure align in project management. His path to multiple PMI certifications shaped a people-first leadership style he now applies at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, managing award-winning programs.
After starting his career as a journalist, Rahim Thompson discovered his calling in project management, a path that led him from earning his Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® to achieving his Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. Now a Senior Program Manager at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Illinois, USA, Rahim applies his storytelling background, leadership experience, and people-first mindset to every initiative.
We spoke with Rahim about his discovery of project management, his certification journey, and how he continues to grow in the field.
Finding a career in project management
How did you find out about project management and enter the profession?
I was writing for the Chicago Tribune, and I picked up a part-time sales job at a local gym. There, I learned all these things like finance and how to run the facility thanks to the general manager. We were doing well. By the second month, the executive vice president came in to meet our team. The general manager happened to be sick that day, but I was there and able to fill in. I knew everything. I knew the numbers, I knew all the profit margins, I knew the insurance. By my third month, I was promoted to general manager.
After that I was given an opportunity to open a facility, and I was nervous, but excited. I was 23 years old, but it was a great opportunity. So, I quit journalism, which was hard because that's what I'd been doing since I was 16 years old.
During the opening of the fitness facility, one of the contractors said, “You were one of the best project managers I’ve ever worked with. You should look into project management. I think you’ve got a future in it.”
So, I looked into project management and decided ‘I'm going to try it.’
You work at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Can you tell me about your role?
I oversee the museum’s portfolio of programs, projects, all tied to exhibitions, global initiatives, and public programs for two sites with two budgets (Skokie, and our new Experience360 location in downtown Chicago). The day-to-day is never the same. I'm always discussing logistics, planning, strategies, risk, potential outcomes, and different programming.
You mentioned logistics, planning, risks — how are your project management skills put to work at the museum?
I’m managing projects from start to finish. It involves creating a plan that is flexible but scalable, adapting to the people you work with and the way people work. My number one priority is creating systems that are flexible, scalable, and repeatable. Repeatability is the most important thing so there’s sustained success year in and year out. No matter what type of project it is, no matter what type of program it is, the system is set up for us to succeed.
Rahim manages more than 40 annual programs across two museum sites, maintaining dual budgets and coordinating multiple initiatives simultaneously. Among his most meaningful projects: expanding the museum’s acclaimed holographic theater, which gives visitors a unique, personal way to engage with survivor stories. The high-definition holographic interview recordings use voice recognition technology to allow visitors to have a personalized, one-on-one “conversation” with Holocaust Survivors.
You’re also leading the museum’s global initiatives. Can you share more about that work?
One of our biggest initiatives is the Jones Day Foundation Community Series, a $1 million grant-funded anti-hate initiative focused on confronting antisemitism and hatred in all its forms. This new series will feature scholars, authors, civic and religious leaders, as well as activists who can address issues ranging from contemporary antisemitism, Holocaust denial and distortion, and the importance of recognizing and speaking out against hate.
People-first project management: Leadership and human-centered design
You mentioned everything is people-related. Can you talk about how communication, empathy, and power skills come into play and why they’re important in your project management role?
It all started in journalism. Journalism is all about people. You need to build a great relationship; you need to cultivate sources. It's the same in human-centered design: you put the people at the forefront of the things you're working on, and it allows you to get feedback quickly. So, I've always been human-centered.
I don't have to be the smartest person on the team. I don't have to be the one with all the solutions and answers. But I do create a system where the best people can do their work. People feel seen, heard and valued and appreciated, and they feel like they can share their objective opinion.
The CAPM journey: How certification built a strong project management foundation
What motivated you to earn your CAPM certification?
I wanted to just master the material. Everything is hard at first, because it's like a new language. There’s new terminology, a new way of thinking, but I kept pushing through and studied every day.
Any study tips you’d recommend for people thinking about the CAPM?
Accept that you're going to be intimidated at first. It's supposed to feel that way. It’s okay to feel discouraged but do a little bit more each day. Keep going, and then you’ll find ways to make the material applicable to the work you’re doing. Then it becomes easier to understand.
The PMP journey: From CAPM to PMP and mastering the project management mindset
After achieving the CAPM, what inspired you to go for the PMP, and how long was that gap?
It was three years. I took my time. I didn't want to just jump into it, and I didn't want to skip steps. After I got the CAPM, I focused on applying what I learned to my work. Once I felt comfortable and like I mastered the basics of how to run a project or run a program, I wanted to take the next step. For me, the PMP was the next step.
And how did studying for the two differ?
In my experience, CAPM helps you with keywords and the basics. But while preparing for the PMP, I really learned the mindset of how to manage projects and programs.
What advice would you give to someone who currently has their CAPM and is considering the PMP?
Apply what you learned first. Focus on how you're using the information before you jump to another certification.
Tapping into the PMI community and continuing to grow
How did earning your PMP change your approach to work?
It gave me access to a community of project managers. I'm thankful for that. When I started this journey, I reached out to project managers asking for advice. I started in this industry with no network and now I have a network of project managers and people that I can turn to. I think that's the most important thing—it gave me access.
Any tips for aspiring project professionals?
Have fun with it. Be curious. Learn and read widely. Interact with others. Just continue to expand yourself. Don't get caught in one way of doing things, one way of thinking.
What’s next for you?
Now I want to focus on the risk management side of project management. I'm going to go for PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)® certification in 2026. That's my goal.
What lights you up about the work you do?
What lights me up is the chance to connect with people I might never have crossed paths with otherwise. I entered this field with no industry network—and today, the relationships I’ve built are some of the most meaningful parts of the journey.
I also get excited about the next big project. I’m someone who treats every opportunity as if it’s a first impression to someone. I want the responsibility that comes with high-stakes projects. I want to grow. I believe in myself and know the best opportunities come when you’re prepared and willing to take the risks.
Tags: CAPM | PMP | Leadership | Career Development
Outside of work
Rahim calls Chicago home, though he spent his early years in Jamaica, Miami, Indiana, and Chicago.
He’s an avid reader—usually getting through fifty to seventy books a year—mixing fiction and nonfiction. A lifelong sports and fitness fan, Rahim ran track in college, played football through junior year of high school, and has cheered for Florida State Football since birth. Outside the gym, you’ll often find him at the theatre, a Broadway show, or a concert. His playlists jump from dancehall to French pop to 80s and 90s R&B.
Rahim’s favorite TV shows include The Wire, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Naruto, Seinfeld, and Friday Night Lights. When it comes to movies, he loves Mystic Pizza, The Best Man, Casino, Training Day, Basic Instinct, Wall Street, Halloween (1978), The Lion King, and You’ve Got Mail. He’s drawn to stories that dig into human nature—how people respond to the world and to one another.
For Rahim, the best vacation is always the next one. He’s grateful for the chance to explore his curiosity wherever it leads.
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About the Author
Autumn Granza
Digital Content Strategist
Autumn is a digital content strategist who blends creativity with strategic thinking. With expertise in crafting and optimizing content to inspire diverse audiences, she enjoys creating media that drives engagement and makes a lasting brand impact. Autumn leads PMI's award-winning podcast, Projectified®, where applies her storytelling skills. Holding a B.A. in journalism from Marywood University and a master's in global studies and international relations from Northeastern University, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Based near Scranton, PA, Autumn extends her creativity beyond her professional endeavors as a photographer and enjoys exploring nature, visiting coffee shops, traveling, and being a self-proclaimed professional day tripper.
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