Paper and Presentation: I’m Certified… Now What? Turning Credentials into Real-World PM Skills
Abstract: Earning a PMP® or CAPM® is a significant career milestone—but what comes next? Many new project managers face the critique: “They have the certification, but not the skills.” This session challenges that stereotype head-on, showing how certified project professionals can translate theory into practice, enhance their credibility, and become stronger practitioners.
This presentation is designed for two audiences: newly certified (or actively pursuing certification) and those mentoring or leading new project managers. Drawing from real-world experiences in healthcare IT, Agile transformation, and project optimization, I’ll share strategies for applying PMBOK® principles to everyday project challenges. Attendees will learn to move beyond memorized frameworks and use certification as a springboard for growth in areas like stakeholder engagement, process improvement, and adaptive leadership.
We’ll also explore integrating prior technical, analytical, or industry-specific skills into the PM role. Certification doesn’t erase your past expertise; it amplifies it. By combining theory with lived experience, project managers can silence critics and demonstrate measurable value to their teams and organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- Practical strategies for applying PMP®/CAPM® knowledge to real-world project environments.
- How to leverage past skills and experiences to strengthen your PM practice.
- Ways to position yourself as a practitioner—not just a “theory head”—and continue building credibility post-certification.
- This session empowers newly certified project managers to bridge the gap between exam success and practitioner excellence confidently.
PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working
Biography: Kenneth Welcome is a Consulting Product Analyst with HCA Healthcare, bringing over 17 years of healthcare experience and more than a decade of EHR project management expertise. Originally from Charleston, SC, and raised in Savannah, GA, Kenneth began his journey with a BA in French from Georgia Southern University and an MPA from South University. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics (MSHIA) with plans to continue to the Doctorate in Health Informatics (DHI) program at UTHealth Houston.
A certified PMP®, CSM®, and CSPO®, Kenneth blends traditional and Agile project management to lead complex healthcare IT and informatics initiatives. His work focuses on automation, interoperability, and leveraging data-driven solutions to optimize clinical workflows and decision support. Known for his mentorship-driven approach, he bridges technical strategy with practical execution to help teams deliver measurable, meaningful outcomes.
Outside of work, Kenneth is an avid cook, traveler, and anime enthusiast—currently following the epic adventures of One Piece. Whether he’s experimenting in the kitchen or exploring the Grand Line, Kenneth brings curiosity, creativity, and a sense of adventure to every challenge he takes on.
