Student Spotlight: Kim Howard

Kim Howard knew she wanted to pursue PMP Certification, but she also knew she needed the right kind of support to get there. After completing Villanova’s Project Management Certificate, she returned to Villanova for the PMP Exam Prep course and found a structure that helped make the material feel more manageable.

In this Q&A, Kim shares what led her to pursue certification, how she balanced the course with work and life commitments and how the experience helped her build confidence as she prepared for the PMP exam.

What inspired you to pursue PMP Certification, and why did you choose Villanova for a prep course?

I was inspired to pursue the PMP Certification because I feel it’s important to continue to grow professionally, and add as many skills as I can to my career “toolbox”. I had evaluated other options for PMP Exam Prep Courses - I had to consider time commitment, cost, and the style of prep course I felt would support me in my journey. There are so many options to choose from, but ultimately, I felt Villanova would be the best choice for me. I had also completed the Project Management Certificate Program through the Villanova School of Professional Studies in Summer 2025, so I knew I liked how the classes were structured. I also appreciated that there was a discounted cost to take the Exam Prep course through Villanova, since I had already gone through the certificate program.

How did the PMP Exam Prep course fit into your work and life commitments?

I feel as though the course fit in well to my work and life commitments. Classes met twice a week for an hour and a half in the evening, so I was able to get home from work with enough time to reset before class began. In addition, the coursework outside of class felt manageable to me. Prior to the class starting, I had set certain boundaries for myself, my work, and life commitments in order to make the course work for my schedule.

What was your most valuable takeaway from the course?

My most valuable takeaway from the course was realizing that anything can be achieved as long as you’re willing to try, and willing to dedicate the time to going after what you want. I knew I really wanted to get the PMP Certification and refocusing on that goal when I would get discouraged helped me remain dedicated to my end result.

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering the PMP Exam Prep course at Villanova?

I would fully recommend taking the course. It’s worth dedicating the time if you are interested in getting the PMP certification. Having a great instructor was also instrumental in my success because it made the material digestible, and I could ask for clarification during, or outside of class if I needed to.It also was great connecting with the other students and hearing about each persons unique experiences. I feel that the course provided a great framework for taking the exam; however, what I also learned is that additional studying is required, even after the prep course is complete.

Anything else you'd like to share about your experience?

I have never been much of a traditional learner, and because of that I had felt intimidated to take the class, let alone even think I could sit for a notoriously difficult exam. But I gained so much confidence by taking the class, and fully dedicating myself. Each week, the material became more approachable and I realized I was more than capable of reaching my goal. And the feeling I got after passing the exam with “Above Target” across all domains was incredible.

Continuing the Project Management Journey

Kim’s experience reflects one path professionals can take as they build their project management skills over time. For those looking to strengthen their foundation, Villanova’s Project Management Certificate offers an applied introduction to the tools, practices and approaches used to manage projects effectively.

For professionals preparing to pursue PMP Certification, the PMP Exam Prep course provides a structured way to review key concepts, stay accountable and prepare for the exam with guidance from an experienced instructor.