PMP Certification for ERP Projects: Formalizing my degree from the school of hard knocks

by Kim Berger, Vice President of Consulting Services, TurnOnDynamics
published June 22, 2016

With twenty years of practical experience implementing Tier 1 ERP solutions as both a user and a consultant, I recently decided to formalize that experience with an official Project Management Certification from PMTI. I had just completed several major go-live projects it felt like the perfect time to step back and "put a ring on it".

Going back to a classroom setting at this point in my life was not the most natural thing, but I knew there had to be things from this class that would help me with on my next project. After many successful implementations and numerous war wounds, this would be a great affirmation of what I use daily.

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About Kim Berger

A leading ERP consultant for the greater Dallas area, Kim Berger works as ERP implementation specialist and project manager at TurnOnDynamics - primarily for small and medium businesses (SMBs). She wears different hats in the ever-changing technology sector, largely because she continuously keeps current with technology changes in her field. Her long list of capabilities includes custom report writing, database analysis and ERP implementation.

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Great Article - But Dont Throw Out Your Experience!

On June 22nd, 2016 itmanager00 said:

Hi Kim

Great article and congratulations on having the guts to go back to class! I am looking forward to your Day 2 details.

One point however: Your experience told you the time was right to catch up (and validate) the methods you have used for years. Your experience gives you balance and helps you make quick decisions when the projects get tough. You cannot learn this in a classroom and it is why people like you are always in demand.

Having conventional project management skills is a great asset. Knowing how to create Scope Documents, and Milestone Updates, and Work Breakdown Structures is a meaningful talent.

But none of those reports can help make the necessary decisions which your experience provides you. And when the project really gets busy, really has some stress, we need experienced leaders like you to help guide the team to the finish line. It is during this time, when optimism and decisive leadership make the PMBOK nothing more than a very heavy paperweight.

So using your Rodney Dangerfield reference: You went back to school to learn a new skill but you already knew how to do the Triple Lindy!

https://youtu.be/rDMMYT3vkTk

Congratulations again and very best wishes!

Ken

Ken Edwards
Director, Global ERP
Tempur Sealy, International