Denise DeMoss
Alexandria, KY
BUCEC, Certificate in Project Management

Denise DeMoss decided it was time to understand all the aspects of project management in order to open herself up to more opportunities and perform better in her job. Working in a blended role of project management and customer service, she thought that a certificate in project management could take her and her children to new heights. “I wanted to further my education so that if I had an opportunity to fulfill a project management role, I could have a proactive approach and be prepared to take my PMP certification exam if the company required it for the position. I am a single mother of two children. I didn’t think about fear; I needed to further my education and get a better job so I can take care of my kids,” she said.

Denise did her research before choosing the Boston University Corporate Education Center’s project management program. “I had called other schools. When I called to ask about BUCEC’s program, the representative was friendly and knowledgeable. The customer service is the first reason that I chose this program. My advisor was helpful from the moment I called to gather information until the day I completed the program. She was wonderful! Everything seemed right from financial aspects to educational aspects. I knew this was the school for me. I signed up right away,” she said.

Calling upon friendships and coworkers, Denise studied with project managers who had already gone through the certification process. She borrowed materials they had used and called them when she couldn’t figure out an answer. “If I didn’t understand, I could call one of them and get a real world example of what I was studying,” she said. “One of my friends shared CDs about common practices that I listened to on my way to work.”

In her current position, Denise has found her education extremely helpful. “I use what I learned daily in my job. I feel like a different person. The professionalism portion of the program was absolutely amazing. It’s helped me in my relationships with my sales team by helping me realize they have a different perspective and may not understand each day-to-day activity. It’s also helped me with customers and relationship building. I learned that it’s not only about what I need—I need to understand what they need from me too,” she said.

In the future, Denise would like to move into a complete project management role. “I hope to find a job, either at my current company or elsewhere, where I can actually use all aspects of my project management certification. I would love to work as a full-fledged project manager,” she said. “This experience has also taught my children the importance of education and hard work.”

Proud of what she’s learned and accomplished, Denise tells future students: “If you’re going to do the program, really do it. Don’t do it just to look good; really learn it. Respect what it means to be a project manager and, if you can, use it in your everyday life. Don’t lose the knowledge.”

> Read more Project Management Certificate success stories