Educators On Board the Sustainable Blue Economy: Ogaga Johnson

Meet Ogaga Johnson, PMP, A project leader and educator who designed and delivered the Project Management training for the Blue Futures Pathways internship program and the internship program at the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE).

She’s been in the project management field since 2015, but became involved in the ocean sector more recently. 

“Project Management is required in all sectors and especially needed in the ocean sector to rapidly increase the delivery of projects and business value, which ultimately leads to the rapid growth of the ocean economy,” she said.

Project Management principles and methodologies provide a structure that helps control project outcomes and meet its objectives. 

The Sustainable Blue Economy needs its own fair share of project managers, and now is the time to build that talent pipeline, Ogaga said.

As an educator, Ogaga coaches individuals in the principles and methodologies of project management, and helps them start their Project Management career. She also helps them prepare, study, and pass project management certification exams such as the CAPM and PMP exam. She’s worked with hundreds of youths, recent graduates, and professionals in Canada, so far. 

For her, this is a fulfilling experience. 

“Being an educator is a very rewarding career path because you get to help individuals learn and develop as well as achieve their career goals. You also become an expert in the field because you are always learning and improving,” she said.

She wants more young people to know that project management is a key skill to have and a viable career option that fits various sectors, including the ocean and water sectors.

But there are challenges in the field that she hopes companies can help with.

“There are lots of graduates and youth who are aspiring Project Managers but require funds to upskill or re-skill in this area,” she said. 

Don’t let that hold you back, though. If you’re looking to enter the Project Management field, Ogaga says: “You are needed and there is room for you.”