luisgarcia dot com

It’s been over a year since I first started the process of getting my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Working for Geniant at that time, it was a major goal of the company to have all project managers (PMs) PMP certified by the end of 2007. Geniant agreed to fund all costs for the PMs to achieve this certification, all we had to do was pass it.

I took the test on March 6, 2007. I was the first out of all of the PMs to jump in and just do it. After countless hours of studying my workbook and many study sessions with coworkers, I failed by a few points. This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through in my professional career. For someone who makes goals and thinks of nothing else but those goals, this was like a punch in the gut. There were times when I questioned whether or not I was cut out for this line of work but just kept going. I took the summer off from studying to get my bearings on how I was going to pass this test. Geniant, now acquired by EMC, was very nurturing and was willing to do whatever it took to help me pass.

The tactic I took for the next test was completely different from the first time I studied. Since I already took the test once, the uncertainty of how the test questions would be asked was non-existent. I studied much more than just my workbook. I found myself googling for sample PMP exam questions and getting my hands on every type of PMP prep book I could find. I spent many nights in Barnes and Noble browsing through prep books and noting how they asked exam questions. If there is one thing I was intimidated on from the test it was the method in which questions were asked and not the actual application of learned knowledge.

After studying for over 2 months, Thanksgiving week and countless other hours, I passed my PMP test. It was the happiest day of my professional career. Passing this test was like a raise that no monetary raise could ever give. It was something that no one could do for me so I just had to suck it up and do whatever it took to do it myself. I passed and that’s all that matters.

I just wanted to thank all the people who supported me throughout this process. I know many times I missed social events, family events and other important functions but this was one point that I needed to be selfish and use this time for myself. I know my friends and family completely understand since that’s what makes them parts of my life but my coworkers also deserve much thanks. They have been nothing but supportive and I appreciate that. Now that it’s over it’s much easier to walk tall around the office and move on with my career goals.

Thanks to all!