Project Management Program Helps Single Mom Move Up Career Ladder

“My drive to succeed does not come from an individual but my own, personal attempt to better myself” – Denise Baylor

Denise Baylor was searching for answers. As an Operations Coordinator for Geisinger Health System, she wanted to find an educational program that would help her gain a complete understanding of the project management process to maximize potential in her current role and move up the career ladder.

“I started at Geisinger Health System in 2000 as a Finance Secretary in the Revenue Management Department,” said Baylor.

Over the years, Baylor steadily worked her way up through the company and was promoted to her current position as Operations Coordinator in 2014.

But as a single, full-time working mom, Baylor knew that she needed to bolster her education. She needed to choose a program with lots of flexibility that would also help provide her with the skills to advance her career.

“Villanova University has a long-standing, positive reputation in providing excellent quality education,” she said.

According to Baylor, Geisinger Health System and Villanova also have a partnership that provides employees with a discount on tuition. “These factors played a role in my decision to take the Certificate in Applied Project Management through Villanova University,” she said.

Before beginning the project management program, Baylor worried that 100% online education might be difficult to follow and stay on track, but she quickly realized that was not going to be a problem. “I found the lectures and the materials very easy to follow,” she said.

Baylor said she especially enjoyed the classes related to profiling, including anything having to do with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. “It was very interesting to learn how various personalities interact with one another on a project,” she said. “It was also a lot of fun to learn how my personality plays a role in leading a project.”

Since completing her Certificate in Applied Project Management, Baylor said she has been able to grow so much more professionally. “I have been able to assist in larger scale projects within my organization and have a much better handle on managing the process from initiating through closing.”

Baylor plans to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification in May, which will allow her to move to higher positions within her career field.

For other professionals or single parents considering going back to school, Baylor offered this advice: Just Do It. “This is a great program and opportunity to learn project management,” she said.

“The online classes are manageable regardless of age or where you are with your education. I had a great experience and highly recommend it.” Here are Baylor’s comments on herself, her inspiration and her experience with her Bisk enrollment specialist.

Can you talk about your experience with Bisk and your representative?

I have nothing but praise for the support I received from Bisk and my representative, Lisa Jones. Lisa was very personable and helpful whenever I had questions before, during and after this program. She worked with me on a personal level to ensure payments were taken when it was most convenient for me financially, which assisted with reimbursement from my employer.

Who or what inspires you to succeed?

My drive to succeed does not come from an individual but my own, personal attempt to better myself. I feel I am never too old to learn and hope I will always strive to keep learning something new.

What is one fun fact about you?

I purchased a home built in 1881 a year and a half ago. I spend a good part of my free time using my project management skills to update and remodel my home. It brings me great joy and satisfaction to finish a room and see the results of all of my hard work.