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• What motivated you to pursue your PMP certification?

When I decided to pursue the PMP certification, it was not about adding a credential to my CV. It was about acknowledging a transformation that had already been unfolding for years.

My career began in academia, where I was immersed in cancer biology research. I led scientific projects, published peer-reviewed articles, and collaborated across institutions and disciplines. Later, in industry, I contributed to oncology R&D programs, managing discovery and preclinical initiatives and supporting regulatory documentation. For a long time, my professional identity was clear: I was a scientist.

Gradually, however, something shifted.

I realized that what energized me most was not only the scientific discovery itself, but the orchestration behind it. I was drawn to aligning stakeholders, structuring milestones, facilitating decision-making, supporting team members, and navigating uncertainty. I enjoyed bringing clarity to complexity. I found deep satisfaction in enabling others to perform at their best.

The transition from scientist to project manager was not abrupt. It was an evolution. And like any meaningful evolution, it came with reflection, learning, and moments of self-questioning. Pursuing the PMP certification became a way to make that evolution intentional — to give structure and language to leadership skills I had developed organically over the years.

When I formally stepped into a Project Manager role in biotech, I wanted to ensure I wasn't relying solely on experience and intuition. Drug development is complex and high-stakes. It requires more than coordination; it requires structured leadership, strategic thinking, and a shared professional language. PMP represented a global standard that could elevate my practice. It felt like both validation and growth — recognition of what I had already built, and an opportunity to expand further.

• What did your preparation process look like? / Which study materials or resources did you find most helpful?

In terms of preparation, I approached the PMP the same way I approach complex programs — with structure and adaptability. I built a study plan, divided the content into phases, and monitored my progress. However, the real turning point was practice.

• What was the most challenging part for you, and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging part of the journey was not the volume of material. It was shifting my mindset.

Coming from a scientific background, I am trained to seek precision and technical correctness. The PMP exam tests something different: situational judgment, leadership under ambiguity, and selecting the best answer in imperfect conditions. I had to consciously move away from asking, “What is technically right?” and start asking, “What empowers the team? What protects stakeholder relationships? What delivers the highest value in this context?”

That shift from technical expert to value-focused leader was transformative. It required humility and openness. But it also reshaped how I approach my daily work.

• Do you have any tips for others preparing for the exam?

Mock exams were essential. They trained me to think in the PMI mindset rather than in my habitual logic. After each simulation, I didn't just review incorrect answers. I also carefully analyzed the correct ones, asking myself why a particular option was the best choice. That reflective process sharpened my decision-making patterns.
In addition, YouTube question-and-answer sessions became an unexpectedly powerful resource. Listening to instructors dissect scenarios and explain the reasoning behind each answer helped me internalize how PMI frames leadership, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and team dynamics. The combination of structured study, repeated mock exams, and scenario analysis through video explanations made the difference between knowing the material and truly understanding it.

• How has the certification impacted your career or day-to-day work so far?

The certification's impact was immediate.

It sharpened the way I facilitate governance discussions, structure complex decisions, and anticipate risks proactively rather than reactively. It strengthened my ability to balance predictive and agile approaches in dynamic environments. In biotech, where scientific uncertainty intersects with regulatory rigor, that structured yet flexible thinking is essential.

More importantly, PMP clarified my professional identity.

I no longer see myself as a scientist who manages projects. I see myself as a project leader who brings scientific depth to strategic execution. That distinction matters. It has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my sense of purpose.

• What would you say to someone unsure whether they should start this journey?

If someone is unsure whether to start this journey, I would invite them to reflect on their desire for growth. PMP is demanding. It requires discipline, resilience, and the willingness to challenge your own thinking. But it also brings clarity. It pushes you to think beyond execution and toward leadership and value creation.

For me, PMP wasn’t just an exam. It was a turning point — one that made my professional evolution intentional.

And I would choose that path again without hesitation.

Bio:

Francesca Biagioni is a Project Manager based in the Netherlands, working in the biotech industry. With a background in cancer research and oncology R&D, she has spent over a decade leading complex scientific programs before transitioning into strategic project leadership. She is passionate about bringing clarity to complexity, supporting cross-functional teams, and continuously growing as a leader. Francesca believes that strong project management is ultimately about empowering people to deliver meaningful impact.

Feel free to connect with Francesca on LinkedIn.

Newsletter Editor’s Note: Preparing for a certification can feel both exciting and overwhelming - and who better to learn from than colleagues who have just gone through the process? In this new Q&A series, we highlight recently certified team members who share their personal journeys, study approaches, challenges, and tips for success. Their real-world experiences aim to inspire and support anyone preparing for their next exam, offering practical insights and honest reflections from those who’ve been right where you are. At the end of each feature, you’ll also find a short author bio to help you get to know the voices behind the stories.