Inspiring Success: How Ishpreet Kaur Conquered Self-Doubt and Became PMP® Certified
From Self-Doubt to PMP® Mastery
In July 2024, Ishpreet stumbled upon Kristen's LinkedIn post celebrating her PMP® success story. It resonated with her, but deep down, she wondered, "Could that ever be me?"
She had recently graduated from Yorkville University’s BBA program in Project Management in British Columbia and was contemplating her next step. While she dreamed of earning her PMP® certification, self-doubt loomed large. She worried she wouldn't qualify, that she hadn’t retained enough from university, and that she might not have the endurance for a grueling four-hour exam.
Taking the Leap
Despite her concerns, Ishpreet decided to take a chance and joined our PMP® Exam Prep Mastery Program in the fall of 2024. Initially unsure of herself, she quickly gained confidence as she worked through the materials, hit her milestones, and actively participated in weekly coaching calls.
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Her journey wasn’t just about memorizing formulas and concepts to pass the exam—it was about changing her mindset, and becoming a better Project Manager. Week by week, she showed up, asked insightful questions, and put in the work. Slowly but surely, her confidence grew.
The Application Process
One of the biggest hurdles Ishpreet faced was the PMP® application itself. The process wasn’t straightforward, as her experience wasn’t rooted in traditional corporate project management roles.
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So, we sat down together and took a creative approach—examining her university group projects, her marketing and events work, and various leadership experiences. By reframing her projects through a project management lens, we were able to craft a strong application that highlighted her ability to lead, organize, and execute projects effectively.
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This step was crucial in boosting her confidence, reinforcing that her experience was valid and valuable.
"I haven't had someone believe in me as much as the PMP Prep Coaches from Karma Coaching Insights. Their encouragement and support gave me the confidence to trust myself and succeed in passing the exam!"
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
8 weeks in, Ishpreet reached a point where she felt ready to take the PMP® exam. She scheduled her test for January 26, 2025, and prepared diligently. But on the day of her exam, she faced an unexpected setback: her exam wasn’t officially booked in the system!
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PMI offered her a new date in March, but Ishpreet was determined to stay on track. Instead of panicking, she problem-solved the situation, secured an earlier test date, and continued refining her understanding of the toughest concepts.
Test Day:
Facing the Final Hurdle
On February 6, as she prepared to head to the Pearson Vue testing centre, self-doubt crept in again. Before getting into her Uber, she made one last call—to her coach. Together, they worked through her nerves, reaffirmed her readiness, and reminded her how much she had already overcome.
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With renewed confidence, Ishpreet walked into the testing centre, stayed focused for four hours, managed her time effectively, and applied everything she had learned.
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When she stepped out, she held a white piece of paper with one life-changing word: PASS 🎉
Lessons from Ishpreet’s Success Story
Ishpreet’s journey offers valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to achieve the PMP® certification:​​
Self-Doubt Can Be Overcome: Ishpreet started with uncertainty but proved that with perseverance and the right guidance, confidence can grow over time.
Creative Thinking in Applications Matters: Her journey demonstrated that non-traditional project management experiences can still qualify for PMP when framed strategically.
Adaptability is Key: Unexpected hurdles like rescheduling challenges didn’t stop her; problem-solving and persistence were crucial to her success.
Ishpreet’s journey is a true testament to perseverance, dedication, and believing in oneself. From doubting her eligibility to successfully passing the PMP® exam, she proved that with the right mindset and structured coaching, anything is possible.
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Today, Ishpreet is a Project Management Professional (PMP®), ready to take on new challenges with confidence and expertise as she dives in to the world of Digital Marketing. Congratulations, Ishpreet, this remarkable achievement is just the beginning—your journey will inspire many to pursue their own success.​
An Invitation to Transform Your Career
Her story is now part of our growing list of PMP® Exam Prep Mastery success stories, inspiring future candidates to take the leap and achieve their goals.
If Ishpreet’s journey resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Whether you’re doubting your qualifications, struggling with confidence, or unsure where to start, our program is designed to guide you every step of the way.
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Are you ready to take your PMP® journey to the next level? Let’s make your success story the next one we celebrate!