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Earning Certifications During Covid Brings New Opportunities

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Joanna Pritchard

15+ years

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Property Solutions Services Specialist

Hyatt Hotels Corporations

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Technical Account Manager EMEA

HRS Hospitality & Retail Systems

As documented by Joanna Pritchard

In 2020, I was laid off from my IT job in the hospitality industry when COVID hit. Instead of treading water, I used unemployment as an opportunity to learn and transform my career. I chose Simplilearn’s online courses in ITIL® 4 Foundation, Agile Scrum Master, and PRINCE2® Foundation, which opened up new employment possibilities. For example, from the first moment I added a new certification to my resume, I began getting replies to my applications, which soon led to a new job. Today I work as a technical account manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) with HRS (Hospitality & Retail Systems) in Düsseldorf, Germany.

My new employer was impressed that I was enrolled in the PRINCE2® Foundation course, and they gave me time to complete it during my orientation period. The entire experience of being laid off and focusing on learning ended up being a career restart for me.

Making a Career Move

Before the layoff, I had contemplated making a career change after 15 years in the hospitality industry. I earned an MBA in hospitality administration from Cornell University and a Master of Arts from Silesian University. While I genuinely enjoyed working with the IT team at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, I thought of expanding my practical knowledge with theory. My first goal was to gain an ITIL certification. When I was laid off after COVID hit in 2020, I had the time and extra motivation to upskill my portfolio.  

I found many platforms offering courses, but I chose Simplilearn because it had exam practice tests, and I found the sample lessons to be of good quality. Moreover, when I asked questions about the courses and the price, I found Simplilearn competitive.

PMP® Plus Master’s Program
Get hands on with industry specific projects

Simplilearn Prepares You for Success

I like Simplilearn’s course structure. In particular, I appreciated that I could test what I remembered after a class, and I highlighted essential facts in my notes. The practice exams helped me gain confidence that I could pass the exam. I had a friend who failed their first exam, and it was a priority for me to pass on the first try. Thanks to Simplilearn’s helpful preparation, I was able to do so. 

If you are looking forward to growing your career, adding meaningful certificates will help you achieve it.

Find more stories of professional growth with Simplilearn’s Program Management Certification by exploring this link.