Fatima Binte Zia
Project Management Fundamentals Certificate
Fatima Zia, a recent graduate of the Project Management Fundamentals Certificate program, admits she was skeptical when she enrolled.
Working in the project management field at the time, Fatima questioned if there would be much to learn that she hadn't already gained through work experience. Now, looking back, she recognizes that she has gained valuable skills, and in part, credits a recent promotion to a Business Analyst to her Continuing Education certificate program.
Fatima worked as an interface designer in an IT department and was part of a team that delivers on projects. When she was given some additional responsibilities, she and her supervisor decided it was time to pursue formal project management training.
"My goal was to get better at managing projects," she says. She dove right in, completing the certificate in just two years.
"Before taking the certificate I used to manage things by doing whatever felt right to me," she says. "Now I know what the industry practice is, I know the tools and techniques — I don't use them all because it's not necessary for this job — but I'm confident if I switch my job this knowledge is transferrable into any industry."
Fatima completed the certificate entirely in the classroom. "Face to face has an extra level of value to me" she says.
She appreciates the help she received from instructors along the way.
"When you're pushed to achieve more, you don't like it in the beginning, but that's when you actually learn," says Fatima. "
In reflecting on her experience, Fatima says, "I was a little skeptical about the actual gain and practical use of a certificate, but I can proudly say that my new learning is helping me tremendously in my work."
Fatima has used her certificate program as a stepping stone to a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® designation.
"I took my CAPM exam and I did that exam with confidence. It was easy for me after I took the Project Management certificate."