“Project management isn’t just a skill; it’s a career accelerator that turns ideas into reality.”
Erica Wilfred is a Process Engineer in the Oil & Gas sector, leveraging project management to drive operational efficiency, process improvements, and stakeholder collaboration. With a passion for structured execution, she has successfully led high-impact projects in the industry, ensuring cost efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement in engineering operations.
Let’s Explore Her Educational and Career Journey
Erica holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Process Engineering, a foundation that gave her deep technical expertise in industrial processes, safety, and system optimization.
“I graduated with a BSc in Chemical and Process Engineering, and throughout my career, I found myself leading technical initiatives that required structured planning and execution. That’s when I realized the importance of project management in ensuring success in large-scale engineering projects.”
Her journey in the Oil & Gas sector has been defined by problem-solving, risk assessment, and managing changing project scopes. Over time, she saw the need to formalize her expertise through project management certification, equipping herself with global best practices to manage resources, stakeholders, and project execution more effectively.
What Inspired Her to Pursue Project Management?
Erica believes that her career path naturally aligned with project management, as she was often required to lead teams, manage timelines, and mitigate risks.
“I believe my career path made me pursue project management. As a process engineer, I found myself leading projects within my field, ensuring the success of industrial processes, and working closely with cross-functional teams. Project management skills became essential to improve coordination, efficiency, and problem-solving.”
For Erica, project management became more than just an additional skill—it became a critical tool for driving efficiency and delivering value in her field.
Getting Her PMP® Certification Was a Defining Moment
Erica’s decision to pursue PMP certification was driven by her realization that project management was integral to her role. “I realized that project management skills were essential for handling large-scale engineering projects efficiently. Formalizing my knowledge with a recognized certification would not only elevate my expertise but also improve my ability to drive impactful results.”
Balancing work and study was one of the biggest challenges she faced. “One big challenge was time management—balancing work, certification studies, and personal commitments. But I knew that once I achieved certification, it would enhance my ability to lead projects confidently and efficiently.”
Through dedication, structured study plans, and perseverance, she successfully earned her PMP certification, reinforcing her ability to manage risks, improve stakeholder communication, and lead with confidence.
A Project Where Certification Made All the Difference
One of Erica’s most defining career moments was handling a complex Paint Emulsion project, where scope changes posed significant challenges. “A key challenge I faced was handling scope changes in the Paint Emulsion project. Without proper project management skills, adapting to new requirements and managing multiple stakeholders would have been difficult.”
Her PMP training equipped her with a structured approach to communication, stakeholder engagement, and risk management, allowing her to successfully navigate scope changes and deliver project success. “My certification gave me valuable knowledge on communication, stakeholder engagement, and managing expectations at different levels. It allowed me to align project goals with evolving requirements while maintaining efficiency.”
Challenges and Biases as a Woman in Project Management
Unlike many women in technical fields, Erica has not personally faced gender bias in her career. “I have not experienced gender bias in the projects I have handled so far, which I am grateful for. However, I recognize that many women in male-dominated industries do encounter such challenges. That’s why it’s important to continuously demonstrate competence, confidence, and leadership in our roles.”
She remains an advocate for women in engineering and project management, encouraging them to step into leadership with boldness and confidence.
Onwards and Upwards; Advice to Aspiring Women in Project Management
Having thrived in a highly technical industry, Erica encourages women to pursue project management as a career growth accelerator.
She reflects, “We are capable of doing great things, and making an impact in project management opens doors for career growth. The skills gained through structured project management empower women to lead effectively in any field.”
Her advice to aspiring women in project management:
“Go for it! The beauty of project management skills is that they apply to every industry. If you want to elevate your career, certification is a great investment. Stay committed, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to step up into leadership roles.”
About HER STORY
The HER STORY initiative by HEBO highlights the incredible journeys of women breaking barriers in project management. Each of these certified professionals has leveraged PMI certification to elevate their careers, proving that structured knowledge, resilience, and leadership can drive success across industries.
Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate, inspire, and empower more women in project management! 🚀 #IWD2025 #WomenInProjectManagement
Well, the beauty of project management applies to multi-dimensional fields. a takeaway from colleague and sounds positive.