Studies, Certification Bring Immediate Impact for Little Sometimes one decision can prove itself the right one very quickly, and that was the case for Bellevue University graduate student Tera Little. She originally enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program, but realized the Master of Organizational Performance (MSOP) might be a better fit. Little, an online student from Southern Idaho, works for the federal government. The agency she currently works for is evolving to improve efficiency and effectiveness. “I realized the Organizational Performance graduate program had the potential to be more relevant to my current role in driving and managing change,” she said. “I am constantly grateful I made the switch, as every class in the Organizational Performance program has directly related to something I’m currently working on.” Certification with Real World Application Pursuing self development and enhancing a career through a master’s degree is impressive, but Little has also taken that one step further by attaining a CAPM (Certified Associate Project Management) certification. She had sought out formal project management training through work, but management didn’t fully recognize the value of it at the time. The MSOP program provided the perfect opportunity, empowering Little to earn her CAPM certification in conjunction with her work in a class within her program, Project Management Essentials Applied Project. “When I realized I could do the CAPM
as part of this program, I decided it was worth the extra effort and financial investment on my part,” Little said. “I have been applying many of the tools and techniques I learned as part of the CAPM certification process to projects I’m currently working on. I have received positive feedback from management on noticeable efficiencies gained through increased accountability and oversight.” After seeing the noticeable impact of her CAPM certification, she also plans to pursue a Project Management Professional certification soon. Preparing for a Bright Future Though balancing graduate studies, a certification and a full-time job have been challenging, Little knows it will all pay off when she completes her program this September. “My husband and son are very supportive and understand that making some sacrifices now will pay off when I graduate,” she said. “The most exciting thing is that I’ll accomplish a goal I set for myself a long time ago: to complete a graduate program with very little student loan debt, thanks to my 9/11 GI Bill benefits.”
MSOP Enables Success Across Industries Though Little’s experience has been crucial to shining in her current role and preparing for future roles, she said this degree can help learners from any industry. “I think regardless of what organization or line of work someone is in, they will consistently find valuable insights and develop applicable skills from this program” she said. In addition to the CAPM, five additional certifications can be earned in tandem with MSOP. The program is designed to be personalized, with students choosing projects that directly align with their industries and career goals.
Little said completion of the MSOP will make her more competitive as she applies for future positions. “On top of this, the CAPM certification is icing on the cake, as this skill set is often desired by organizations,” she said. “I’ve seen it listed more frequently for positions advertised in my current agency. With the recent enactment of the Program Management Improvement Accountability Act (PMIAA), it is clear that federal government agencies are realizing the need to invest more in the skills the Organizational Performance program helps build.”
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