Ludmila Barkagan, MBA, CCMP, CSM, Six Sigma Certified,CMP

Many Project Managers don’t start with the title, even if they’ve started the work. A PMI community member shares how earning the PMP certification helped turn experience into recognized expertise—a key part of transitioning to a formal PM role.

259

16 Comments

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a powerful tool for career growth. It validates your experience and demonstrates a deep understanding of project management principles to employers and peers worldwide. Earning your PMP can open doors to new opportunities, increase your earning potential, and equip you with the strategic skills to lead any team. If you're considering a certification, explore the benefits and see how it can align with your long-term career goals. More Details : https://lnkd.in/fdGvRYh #ProjectManagement #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #PMP #PMI #PMPCertification #ProjectManager #Upskilling #CareerAdvancement #ProjectManagementTips #SkillsForSuccess

14

✨ Passed the PMP® on my first attempt — here’s what actually helped ✨ Since passing my PMP® exam (with above target in multiple domains), a few people have reached out asking how I prepared. I wanted to share what truly made a difference for me: 🔹 Know which exam you’re studying for PMBOK® 8 is rolling out in April, with a new Exam Content Outline and exam updates expected in July. If you’re currently studying under the current ECO aligned with PMBOK® 7, plan to take your exam on or before June. 🔹 Be honest about how you learn Ask yourself: How do I learn best, and what am I willing to invest? To earn the required 35 contact hours, options include books, videos, or courses. For me, investing in a structured course was key. I also found Rita Mulcahy’s PMP Exam Prep Book helpful. 🔹 Use the support around you Check if your employer offers exam sponsorship or training materials. Also, tap into your local project management community — it’s an underrated resource. 🔹 Create a realistic study plan Decide how many hours you can commit weekly and protect that time. I blocked time for: • Reviewing notes • Practicing questions • Full mock exams Free resources (like Quizlet sets) are great for supplemental learning. 🔹 Practice questions are EVERYTHING Project Management Institute Study Hall was extremely helpful in building exam readiness. I also used David McLachlan PMP questions on YouTube — great for confidence and mindset. 🔹 Apply and schedule early Once your application is approved, it’s valid for one year. Scheduling your exam creates accountability and keeps momentum going. 🔹 Communicate with your people Let family and friends know you’re studying for a major certification and may need to step back temporarily. Build accountability — it matters more than motivation. 🔹 Have faith in yourself Trust the decision you made to pursue this certification and believe you can achieve it. Confidence and consistency go a long way. If you’re currently on the PMP journey — keep going. It’s challenging, but absolutely worth it. 💪 #PMP #PMPCertified #ProjectManagement #CareerGrowth #ExamTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifelongLearning

414

46 Comments

In my experience, there are two main types of PMO's Governance Focused PMO or the "Project Police Office" as it was once explained to me. Typically, this type of PMO will primarily concentrate on establishing & maintaining project/program standards, process, and best practice across a business. This will include: - Developing and enforcing project management methodologies, templates, and policies - Ensuring projects align with strategic objectives and organisational goals - Providing oversight and quality control for projects - Establishing project selection criteria and prioritisation processes - Implementing risk management and change control procedures - Monitoring compliance with established standards and governance frameworks - Offering guidance and consultative support to project teams The 2nd PMO - "The Delivery Engine" This PMO takes a more hands on approach to project delivery, with a core focus on directly managing and executing projects. This includes: - Providing project/program managers to run projects directly - Taking control of and managing projects from initiation to closure - Ensuring high consistency in project management practices across all projects - Directly overseeing project execution and resource allocation - Actively managing project portfolios and programs - Focusing on operational efficiency and project delivery - Providing more direct intervention in project management processes In most cases, it's not an either/or but the way they are set up and operate are different, require different skills & people to lead, run and work within them. Finn Executive

39

10 Comments

Choosing the right staffing model for your PMO organization can make or break your success. Should you opt for contract hires or direct hires? Each has its unique strengths, and the decision hinges on your strategic goals. Contract hires offer flexibility. They’re perfect for short-term projects or when you need specialized skills quickly. But, while they bring agility, they might lack long-term commitment. On the other hand, direct hires foster loyalty and a deeper understanding of your company’s culture and objectives. They’re an excellent choice for building a robust, cohesive team committed to long-term success. So, which model aligns with your vision? Dive deeper to discover the best fit for your team. Click the link to read our latest article and unlock insights that could transform your hiring strategy. Let's get your PMO organization exactly where you want it to be! Sierra ITS - PMO Staffing Specialists - Contract or Direct Hire https://lnkd.in/gucEAYAw #PMO #Recruiting #ContractHire #DirectHire #StaffingSolutions #ProjectManagement #CareerGrowth #BusinessStrategy

9

We are starting a simple series called Lessons Learned. Each week we will share a short, real story from someone who took the PMP. The goal is to capture what practice tests miss and what helps on exam day. Add your own lesson in the comments so we can keep pulling the best insights and share them here. Today’s story comes from Megan, United States. What the PMP Taught Me That Practice Tests Didn’t I walked into the testing center feeling ready. I had memorized formulas, drilled quizzes, and knew my weak spots. Somewhere around question 95 the room felt smaller and the screen felt bigger. My pace slipped. I knew the material, but the exam started testing something else. Judgment. Stamina. Nerves. I took the first optional break. Water. Two slow breaths. I reminded myself of the plan I made the night before. Answer the verb first. Flag and move at 90 seconds. Trust the process, not the panic. Momentum returned. Situational questions that looked tricky got simpler when I asked two things. Who is affected. What is the next right step in the plan. I stopped picking the hero move and started picking the professional move. Stakeholders. Baselines. Change control. ~Five lessons I wrote on a sticky note after I passed 1 Train for 180 questions, not 30. Build stamina with full mocks. 2 Read the verb first. First vs next changes the answer. 3 Use breaks to reset accuracy. Fresh eyes save points. 4 Governance beats gut. Analyze impact, then follow change control. 5 Say what the numbers mean. CPI and SPI are decisions, not math problems. If you are preparing right now, here is the part I wish someone told me sooner. The PMP rewards calm, consistent actions more than clever ones. You do not have to know everything. You do have to act like a project manager on every question. Clarify. Communicate. Choose the next best step. If you have already taken it, what was the one lesson the exam taught you that study guides did not?

38

We are honored to share our support of the State of Maryland Agile Digital Experience Product Transformation (ADEPT) contract, an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle valued at $300 million over seven years. As a subcontractor to Nava, we'll support Maryland state agencies in modernizing their digital experiences through agile development methodologies. "Modern digital experiences are essential for making government services accessible and effective for the people of Maryland. We're proud to continue our partnership with Nava and Maryland to deliver digital solutions that are human-centered, secure, and future-ready." - Kalid Tarapolsi, chief growth officer, Aquia Learn more in today's press release >> https://lnkd.in/eKfSeeAS #digitaltransformation #agile #govcon #civictech #hcd

37

BIG UPDATE FOR PMP ASPIRANTS! I just released a new YouTube video breaking down the major changes coming to the PMP Exam from July 2026, along with insights into the new PMBOK® Guide – 8th Edition. If you're preparing for the PMP or planning to, these changes will directly impact your study strategy, preparation timeline, and the way you understand PMI’s updated approach to project management. In this video, I cover: What’s changing in the July 2026 PMP exam Updated domain weightages and new content themes (AI, sustainability, value delivery, etc.) How eligibility requirements are shifting Key updates from PMBOK 8th Edition Whether you should take the exam before or after July 2026 Practical advice for PMP Aspirants If you’re planning your PMP journey, this breakdown will help you make the right decision about WHEN and HOW to prepare. #PMP #PMI #ProjectManagement #PMBOK8 #PMPExam2026 #CareerGrowth #Certification #ProjectManager #Agile #HybridProjectManagement

113

4 Comments