Sheldon Jones is a Security Officer at Spectrum. He found himself at a crossroads in his career. With a background primarily in security, Sheldon felt the need to explore new opportunities and expand his skill set. Inspired by relatives in the project management field and recognizing the growing demand for project managers, Sheldon looked into his employer’s tuition assistance benefits. 

“I just wanted to try something different. At first, I was pursuing a career in law enforcement, but my mind changed. I have a couple of relatives in project management, and they told me it’s a booming field with many opportunities,” Sheldon explained.

He chose to enroll in the Project Management Certificate program offered by NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering through Pathstream.

Motivation and enrollment

Sheldon was motivated by the potential for career growth and the prestige associated with NYU. He accessed the program through Spectrum, which covered the entirety of the tuition through their benefits. 

“I chose Pathstream’s program through NYU because I felt that NYU’s prestigious name would hold more weight when applying for jobs. Employers are more likely to hire or interview you when they see you have experience from a reputable school,” Sheldon shared.

The Pathstream Experience: Overcoming initial nerves

Before starting the program, Sheldon felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. Despite having no background in project management, he quickly adapted to the Pathstream program’s user-friendly and accessible format.

“I was a little nervous and overwhelmed at first because it was something new and foreign to me. But, Pathstream’s program is very user-friendly and accessible. My anxiety went away once I started getting comfortable with the resources,” he recalled.

Gaining new skills and applying them

Throughout the program, Sheldon learned essential project management skills, including critical thinking, organization, and tools like Asana. These skills have prepared him for a future project management role and helped him in his current role. 

“Critical thinking and organization have been very helpful. Using Asana, I’ve learned to schedule different tasks and manage people under me, which has given me a feel for leadership. It’s also improved my communication and teamwork skills,” Sheldon said.

Support and resources

Sheldon utilized the resources provided by Pathstream, including instructors and success coaches, which played a crucial role in his learning experience.

“The instructors were very helpful and friendly. They were always accessible when I had questions or difficulties. The resources and tools available were very useful,” he noted.

Networking and career advancement

The program has positioned Sheldon for potential advancement within his current organization. He has been networking with executive personnel, including the Senior Director of Marketing, who inspired him to pursue the program.

“This program has given me some leverage to transition into a different role at my employer. I’ve been networking with executive personnel, which has motivated me to advance within the company,” he explained.

Impact on job satisfaction and future goals

Sheldon believes the Pathstream program has significantly improved his job satisfaction and motivation to stay with his employer. He plans to continue his education with another Pathstream course in data analytics and agile methodologies.

“The ability to transition into a different position makes me want to stay with my employer. The great resources and support from my employer are also very motivating. I look forward to taking another Pathstream course soon,” Sheldon said.

Advice for colleagues

Sheldon highly recommends Pathstream programs to his colleagues, emphasizing the benefits of the skills learned and the support provided by the employer.

“I would tell my colleagues to go for it. It’s a great opportunity to boost your skills, become more disciplined, and take advantage of the resources offered by our employer. It will help you advance in your career,” he advised.

Conclusion

Sheldon Jones’ journey with Pathstream’s Project Management Certificate has equipped him with new skills, boosted his confidence, and opened doors for future career opportunities. His story is a testament to the power of continued education and the support of an employer committed to employee growth and development.