A worthwhile effort: Lauren Wondrash’s CBA Milestone 

For many credit professionals, NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs help form a bedrock of knowledge that assists them in their day-to-day work. Whether navigating a tricky conversation with a customer or setting firm standards for extending credit, knowledge gleaned from professional certification courses shines through. 

For Lauren Wondrash, CBA, credit analyst for Green Bay Packaging (Green Bay, WI), earning her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation gave her a more in-depth understanding of the credit field. 

“My greatest success was seeing how my studying translated into real-world understanding,” Wondrash said. “Being able to listen to, understand and even contribute to workplace conversations about topics like bankruptcy, antitrust regulations and financial analysis was incredibly rewarding and made the effort feel worthwhile.” 

Even after years of working in credit, there is still a wealth of knowledge waiting to be explored. Professional certifications can help you delve deeper into the unknown and emerge a stronger credit manager.  

“I gained a much deeper understanding of credit principles and business law earning my certification,” Wondrash said. “I also learned that there is so much more to the credit world than what I encounter in my day-to-day responsibilities. This opportunity really opened my eyes to the broader scope of the credit profession and the many moving parts that work together behind the scenes.” 

A professional certification not only deepens your understanding of the credit field but instills a new confidence in designation-seekers. “It’s a milestone that not only marks professional development but also personal perseverance,” Wondrash said. “I am incredibly proud to be able to say that I have received my CBA designation and knowing that the effort and time I invested paid off.” 

Study tip: “Breaking the material into smaller, manageable pieces and focusing on just a little at a time was key for me,” Wondrash said. “Tackling one section a day (or every few days) and then reviewing everything at the end of each week really helped me absorb and retain the information.”