Chapter News

• What motivated you to pursue your PMP certification?

I had wanted to obtain my PMP for quite some time. For me, it was primarily a personal milestone. I want to confirm that I have both the theoretical foundation and the practical experience to call myself a strong project manager.

At the same time, the PMP is internationally recognized, which makes it particularly meaningful to me as I prepare for a move to Montréal, Canada. It gives me confidence that the language and standards I work with are globally aligned and that my profile will translate across borders.

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

I'm fortunate to work at threon, a consultancy specializing in project management. Being surrounded by experienced colleagues and in-house trainers makes a big difference. I followed a 5-day PMP preparation course, which helped structure my knowledge and sharpen my focus for the exam.

Because I had previously obtained my CAPM certification and received extensive training within the company, much of the theory felt familiar. The preparation was less about learning everything from scratch and more about connecting the dots and aligning my practical experience with the PMI framework.

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

First: learn the “language” of the PMP exam. After completing multiple practice exams, you start recognizing patterns in how questions are phrased. Understanding what is really being asked is often half the answer.

Second: go beyond memorizing theory. Personally, I don't learn well by simply studying concepts in isolation. I learn by understanding and applying them. During my preparation, I continuously reflected on my own projects and challenged myself to apply the concepts to them. That deeper integration makes the material much more intuitive.

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

The preparation process has subtly reshaped the way I work. Rather than adding complexity, it helped me streamline my approach. I’ve built a way of working that integrates PMI principles by design, without becoming overly rigid or bureaucratic.

It also strengthened my awareness of why I make certain decisions in projects. I now articulate risks, stakeholder engagement, and governance more consciously, not because I “have to,” but because it genuinely improves clarity and outcomes.

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

Give it your best shot.

The knowledge you gain while preparing for the PMP goes beyond passing an exam. Many of the principles are applicable far beyond project management. I notice myself using them in daily life as well.

In organizations, speaking a common project language makes collaboration smoother and delivery stronger. The PMP is one way to contribute to that shared understanding. Even the preparation journey itself already adds value, regardless of where you are in your career.

 

Bio

Roel is a Project Management Professional (PMP) with a background in consulting and project delivery across different industries. He enjoys bringing structure to complexity and helping teams move forward with clarity and confidence.

He builds connections easily and values honest, open communication. Colleagues appreciate his empathy, clear communication, and diplomatic approach to difficult situations. He works hard, stays flexible when circumstances change, and focuses on finding practical solutions that truly work.

As he prepares for a new chapter in Montréal, Canada, Roel is excited to contribute his experience and collaborative mindset to new teams and opportunities.

Feel free to connect with Roel 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.