From Career Crossroads to Chief of Staff: A Project Management Success Story

When the pandemic reshaped the professional landscape, T’Aira Duncan found herself at a turning point. Prior to COVID-19, she served as Manager of Collective Operations at Teach For America—a role that required extensive travel. As business travel slowed, she began reassessing her long-term career goals.

“I knew that things post-COVID would look different,” said Duncan. “I started thinking about how I would move forward. I knew education would be part of my plan, so I began exploring master’s programs and professional certificates.”

Through
CobbWorks, a workforce development resource in the community, Duncan discovered the Project Management Certificate at KSU.

Balancing Professional Growth and Parenthood

“I looked over the certificate program, and it aligned with what I wanted to do,” she said. “I also have a toddler, so the ability to take the course online was essential. The live format ensured that I could fully engage with the material from home.”

The Online Live format allows students to attend real-time classes virtually, interact with instructors, collaborate with peers, and experience the same structured engagement as in-person courses—while maintaining flexibility.

Support Throughout the 12-Week Journey

From course logistics to instruction, Duncan felt consistently supported.

“The program manager and instructor were excellent,” she shared. “We were set up for success. The students came from diverse professional backgrounds, but the instructor made expectations clear and ensured we had everything we needed.”

During her final exam, Duncan experienced a technical issue when her screen unexpectedly went black. Despite it being outside regular business hours, the program manager responded quickly and helped ensure her exam was properly submitted.

“In all areas of the course, I felt fully supported,” she said.

Landing a Leadership Role

After completing the certificate, Duncan accepted a new position as Chief of Staff at The Lovett School.

In her role, she supports executive leadership, oversees strategic planning initiatives, manages cross-departmental collaboration, and applies structured project management principles daily.

“This certificate was instrumental in helping me attain this new role,” she said. “It’s a new position at the school, so I’m charting my own path.”

Preparing for PMP Certification

Duncan’s next milestone is sitting for the PMP® certification exam. The instructional hours from the course, combined with her professional experience, help her meet eligibility requirements for the exam.

The certificate not only strengthened her practical project management skills—it also positioned her for advanced credentialing.

Advice for Future Students

“Be clear on how you will incorporate what you learn into your professional life,” she advised. “The course is challenging, so evaluate your current situation in relation to your end goal. Remind yourself why you started and how it will elevate your career.”

Her motivation was deeply personal.

“As a professional, working mother, I was looking to elevate my career during a global pandemic with my daughter in tow,” Duncan said. “This—and everything else I do—is for her.”

Interested in advancing your own career through structured project management training? Explore the Project Management Certificate program at KSU.

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