A credit professional’s pursuit of knowledge leads to CBA certification

Every meaningful decision begins with a single moment of consideration. A college student may decide on a specific major because it aligns with their career goals. Or someone may decide to move across the country for a more suitable work opportunity. Ultimately, the individual will make a choice that works best for them. 

For Erica Burke, CBA, manager, credit and collections at Superior Essex International LP (Fort Wayne, IN), her desire to learn and grow sparked a journey toward the Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation. “I’m passionate about what I do, and I maintain that passion by seeking out opportunities to learn, grow and challenge myself professionally,” said Burke. “Through the CBA, I saw that I could strengthen my knowledge of accounting, finance, credit and risk management so that I could make the best business decisions for my company.” 

As a working mom in a full-time leadership role, having a flexible schedule was a must. Fortunately for Burke, the certification courses were available online, allowing her to balance work, study and family time. “One of the best things about the program is that you can choose the designation path that works best for your goals, interests and schedule,” said Burke. “You can also continue building on your knowledge over time in areas like risk management, financial analysis, international credit and leadership.” 

Despite her many responsibilities, she managed to effectively retain and share what she learned with her department. “What helped me most was connecting the material back to real situations I deal with every day,” said Burke. “By tying concepts together, I was able to make more informed decisions around credit limits, payment terms, collections strategies and portfolio management and leadership were quick to take notice.” 

Shortly after announcing her accreditation, Burke gained significant recognition from members of the business credit community. “Earning my CBA made me more marketable for many reasons, but mainly because it showed that I’m willing to invest in my professional education,” said Burke. “I believe the credibility, confidence and stronger potential for growth supported by the CBA ultimately led to my promotion six months later.” 

For anyone considering taking a similar path, Burke encourages them to not let fear, time or self-doubt get in the way of their education. “There is never going to be a perfect time, especially when you are balancing work, family and everything else in life,” Burke said. “The sense of accomplishment, confidence and knowledge you gain is worth the investment that pays off for years to come.” 

Study tips: Create time blocks for focused study. “Setting time aside every week for review makes the courses less overwhelming,” said Burke. “I use that time to take notes and listen back to the audio that accompanies the course material. I was pleasantly surprised at how doing both helped me remember the content.” Most importantly, be consistent. “There is a lot of valuable information in these courses, and you can learn so much if you really take the time to absorb it,” said Burke. “Even if you study a little each day, you will notice a difference in how you perform both at your work and in your classes.”