Over the past five years, Michaela Quaid has leaned into every opportunity to learn, grow, and lead. Her latest milestone, earning a PMP certification, marks a defining moment in her career and reflects the kind of growth we aim to make possible for every Thermosystems team member.
In this edition of ThermoTalks: Real People, Real Impact, we explore the support, effort and determination behind Michaela’s achievement along with how it’s shaping her continued growth within Thermosystems.
Finding Her Path in Project Coordination and Management
When navigating a pivot in her career, Michaela began looking for roles that called for structure, organization, and follow-through. That search led her to Thermosystems, where she discovered a team whose passion for their work matched her own.
“Everyone was so passionate about their work,” she recalled. “I connected with that work ethic and with a team that empowers you to grow and ask questions.”
Since joining, she has felt empowered to take ownership of her path and embrace challenges that would prepare her for long-term success.
Pursuing a PMP Certification
With encouragement from her manager and peers along with exposure to the PMP Certification, a global benchmark for project management excellence, Michaela was excited to explore the possibilities this certification had to offer.
The PMP certification is valued for its cross-industry relevance and adaptability. Backed by more than 1.6 million holders globally, it signifies mastery of project management, leadership excellence, and awareness of current industry practices. For organizations, PMP-certified professionals drive efficiency, reduce risk, and deliver stronger project outcomes.
“The support and encouragement to invest in my own growth was incredible,” she said.
Michaela devoted six months to earning her certification. “I attended classes and studied diligently, knowing the effort would pay off,” she shared. “It was challenging but rewarding.” Motivated by a desire to challenge herself, Michaela immersed herself in mastering the “PMP mindset.”
Putting Growth into Practice
“The PMP certification taught me valuable skills that translated directly into my work,” Michaela said.
With support from her team and the freedom to pursue professional goals, Michaela saw firsthand how continuous learning can elevate both individual performance and project outcomes. She encourages anyone interested in the certification to seriously explore it.
A few steps that helped her decide it was the right fit included:
- Reflecting on how the PMP certification aligned with her career goals
- Taking time to find a program that matched her learning style and schedule
- Researching the process and committing fully to it
Most importantly, Michaela emphasizes confidence as the key ingredient:
“Having confidence in yourself makes the biggest difference. It’s the secret to success.”
Looking back, Michaela sees the certification not as a finish line, but as the start of her next chapter; one where she continues growing as a leader, empowered by a team and a company that believes in investing in their people.
Michaela’s journey illustrates why our people are the heart of what we do. Because better buildings start with better partners. By supporting our employees in their pursuit of growth, we not only help individuals reach their potential but also strengthen collaboration that drives our projects forward.
Discover more stories about growth and development by reading other editions of ThermoTalks below.
Learn more about how we invest in our people and foster passion for growth on our About Us page.
