LaKeysha Strickland’s career has taken a transformative leap. As a Change Control Analyst II, she used her tuition assistance to enroll in the NYU Project Management Certificate through Pathstream. This opportunity sharpened her skills and positioned her on the fast track for a promotion to Project Manager.

Lakeysha’s Journey

LaKeysha has been with a top telecommunications company for over a decade, consistently leveraging her employer’s benefits to advance her education and career. She previously completed a degree and is now working on her master’s degree, all funded by her employer’s benefits. Adding Pathstream’s professional certificate programs has been a significant advantage for her.

Motivation and Decision to Enroll

Already experienced in project management, Lakeysha was motivated to further her skills when she discovered free professional certificate programs available through Pathstream. Previously, she had paid out-of-pocket for similar courses, such as becoming a certified scrum master. The financial support from her employer made enrolling in Pathstream’s programs an easy choice.

“I am seeking to become a project manager. Since I’ve taken the certificate, it’s pushed me to the front. They’ve been looking for a program manager at my job and are pushing to get me in that seat. So, it definitely helps.”

Experience with Pathstream

For LaKeysha, the flexibility of Pathstream’s self-paced courses was a game-changer, enabling her to balance her studies with her demanding job. The clear deadlines kept her motivated, while the extra resources, like the optional Capstone Pre-Course, offered unexpected benefits.

“I loved that I could set my own pace and revisit material as needed,” she said. “Discovering the optional courses prep course was my favorite part. It added so much value to my experience and will benefit my employer when I’m certified.”

Application of Skills in Her Role

She has also applied her new skills to her current role. While taking the program, LaKeysha’s employer offered her the opportunity to shadow project managers. This provided her with firsthand experience in project execution, user stories, and stakeholder management. The practical application of her learning has been invaluable.

“Because I got these certificates, I’ve been able to shadow project managers. You get to see all of that in action, and you actually understand it because you went over it, researched it, and took tests on it.”

Support and Resources

LaKeysha really appreciated the all-around help she got from Pathstream. They would regularly send her texts to check in and ensure she kept up. This kind of support was especially important whenever she found it tough to keep up with her course work.

“They always texted me to make sure how I was doing, which I thought was really nice. It was good support to remind me to stay focused.”

Impact on Career Satisfaction

The educational journey with Pathstream has significantly impacted LaKeysha’s professional development, positioning her for a well-deserved promotion while amplifying her love for her employer Her commitment to ongoing learning has not gone unnoticed; it’s been actively acknowledged and fostered by her employer, providing additional inspiration for her to pursue and attain her career aspirations.

“They see the vision because I’ve worked on a straightforward path. They’ve been very supportive, providing resources and holding me accountable.”

Advice for Coworkers

LaKeysha encourages her coworkers to take advantage of the education benefits that are available. Her favorite quote encapsulates her advice:

“It always seems impossible until it is done. Even if you haven’t been in school for a while, just stick with it, and next thing you know, you’re done, and you’ve obtained it. It will make a world of difference in your career.”

Are you looking to improve in your role? 

LaKeysha Strickland’s journey epitomizes the transformative power of lifelong learning underpinned by the robust support from Charter Communications and Pathstream. This narrative illustrates the remarkable impact professional certificate programs can have on your team. If you’re looking to help your people grow with you, consider learning more about Pathstream’s offerings.