In this episode, I talk with Tamara McLemore, PMP, PMI-ACP, Project Manager Professional (PMP) exam instructor, about how the PMP certification can transform your career. We debunk some common myths about the PMP certification and explore accelerated strategies to help you achieve it quicker.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Tamara:
- What motivates you to help women earn their PMP certification?
- Why should women engineers get their PMP certification, and how can it impact their careers?
- What are the top five myths that discourage people from pursuing their PMP certification?
- Who is eligible to apply for the PMP certification?
- What are the eligibility criteria for the PMP certification, including required experience and education?
- What are common misconceptions about prior project leadership experience for PMP candidates?
- What are the top two tips for passing the PMP exam?
- What final piece of advice do you have for engineers looking to advance their careers with certifications like the PMP?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Successful Career-Boosting Effects of the PMP Certification:
- Tamara is motivated to help women earn their PMP certification because she experienced loneliness as one of the few women in the tech industry. She saw that this certification was crucial for women to secure high-profile project management roles.
- Women engineers should get their PMP certification to develop the soft skills and confidence needed to communicate with key stakeholders. This can lead to faster career advancement and greater recognition for their work.
- The top five myths discouraging people from pursuing their PMP certification are thinking they don’t meet the requirements, believing they need to be a project manager, thinking the test is too hard, fearing failure, and worrying about the cost. In reality, these concerns are often unfounded, and many companies will even cover the certification cost.
- Anyone with a minimum of three years of project management experience, regardless of whether they have a degree, is eligible to apply for the PMP certification.
- The eligibility criteria for the PMP certification include a minimum of three years of project management experience with a bachelor’s degree, or five years without. This experience must involve leading and directing projects, and candidates must also complete 35 hours of project management education.
- Common misconceptions about prior project leadership experience for PMP candidates include the belief that they must have held the title of “project manager” to qualify. In reality, what matters most is the role they played in managing projects, not their official job title.
- The top two tips for passing the PMP exam are to ensure your application is approved early, allowing ample time for focused study and practice. And create a structured study schedule that includes regular practice with exam questions to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the test.
- Engineers aiming to advance their careers with certifications like the PMP should focus on developing strong project management skills alongside technical expertise, which are crucial for senior roles in project management.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest: Tamara McLemore, PMP, PMI-ACP
Tamara McLemore, PMP, PMI-ACP, is the Executive Consultant, Project Management Professional (PMP) & Guest Lecturer at Project Business Academy. Her expertise lies in coaching mid-career professional women, empowering them with the necessary skills, confidence, and language to obtain their PMP Certification and secure significant career advancements.
Through her PMP Exam 2-Week Intensive where she has successfully shortened the traditional preparation timeline, enabling candidates to pass their PMP exam within 30 days (a process that typically takes six to eight months). This accelerated timeline not only aims to achieve certification, but also to position women in the careers they truly deserve.
With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in various industries including technology, federal government, and aviation, Tamara has risen from being a project manager to now serving as the chief impact officer (CIO) of her own company. Tamara’s expertise has been recognized through her appearances as a guest on the Women Of Project Management® and the Harvard Business Review, and Women at Work podcasts, and has also been a keynote speaker at prestigious events such as the Women of Project Management Conference, AE Ignite conference, and the Wonder Women Tech summit. She is also a LinkedIn Top Voice in project management. Additionally, she has shared her knowledge by teaching project management at universities and organizations worldwide, including appearances in India and Dubai.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Tamara enjoys traveling extensively and lives by the motto: “To Be a Service to All Mankind.”
About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani is the owner of Thrive Edge Publishing and owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
As an engineer with more than 19 years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift – 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book at www.stemistheway.com.
Sources/References:
The Tamara McLemore, PMP, PMI-ACP, Website
Project Business Academy
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA)
Ignite Conference
Connect with Tamara McLemore, PMP, PMI-ACP, on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how the PMP certification has boosted your career.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
