From banking to credit: The role of the CBA in career transformation

A professional certification from NACM can aid credit professionals as they familiarize themselves with this dynamic industry and hone the skills needed to thrive and advance in their field. By earning his Credit Business Associate (CBA), Yaseen Owen, CBA, credit analyst at J.R. Simplot Company (College Station, TX), has begun immersing himself in the credit world after transitioning over from a different part of the field.  

After working in the banking side of the finance industry Owen found he had a good understanding of the basics of credit, but after starting a new career in credit, Owen realized he needed to deepen his understanding. 

“When I began my career in credit with Simplot, I was looking for anything to help bridge the gap between my previous banking experience and my current role,” Yaseen Owen said.  “At the urging of my manager and mentor, I researched the NACM designation program and knew I had found my answer to jump starting my career in trade credit” 

Following the course modules and keeping up on the work assigned alongside lessons, Owen realized he really enjoyed learning. “I most definitely learned new stuff that I had not encountered before in banking. I learned so much about credit and how credit makes the world go round,” Owen said. “I learned that I really do enjoy learning, especially when it comes to my own professional development.” 

After passing the CBA exam and earning his designation, Owen felt inspired to continue his education in credit. “It was a great feeling finding out I had passed my CBA Exam,” Owen said. “It also lit a fire inside of me to go get the next one.” 

📝Study Tip: “To avoid getting overwhelmed: Break your studying up over a period. Study and then give yourself a 15–30-minute break and then pick back up where you left off and continue reviewing new content. Don’t try and cram everything in overnight.”