Over the past year, macroeconomic challenges have rattled the global economy and increased risk exposure in business credit. In response, credit professionals have strengthened risk management practices and pursued further education. Certifications, such as those offered through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program, provide a strategic advantage in protecting both careers and companies in a shifting, volatile environment.  

Everyone’s credit career is different, with credit professionals coming from a wide range of backgrounds. Whether you are looking to refine your skills as you enter a new position or looking to build your knowledge on a niche area of credit, continued education through NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs is a vital tool to credit managers in every corner of the field.   

Between wrapping gifts, checking lists twice and making those final grocery runs, the holiday season is in full swing—making this a perfect moment to celebrate a professional milestone. Please join us in congratulating Josh Gorman, CBF, contracts manager at EFCO Corp. (Des Moines, IA), on earning the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) designation, an accomplishment that reflects dedication, expertise and a commitment to excellence in the credit profession. 

As 2025 comes to an end, it is the perfect time to reflect and plan for the future. Many credit professionals are preparing for the year ahead, both professionally and personally. These plans are often shaped by the challenges faced and lessons learned over the past year. 

As the holiday season continues and business activity increases, it can be easy to fall behind. Before you know it, your to-do list has grown three times its size. No matter the time of year, being proactive is vital to performing at your best. For Dawid Kukulak, CCE, senior manager credit management at Amer Sports (Krakow, Poland), this was top of mind before embarking on his educational journey.   

The road of a credit professional’s career can be a bumpy one—with twists and turns that can leave them off balance. That said, ongoing education provides the knowledge and skills needed to navigate challenges and stay on course toward long-term success.  

As you embark on your credit career, you will always be faced with new challenges. Whether you are taking on new responsibilities, handling larger customers or starting an entirely new role, continued education is a critical resource as you ready yourself for every turn your career journey takes. For Matt Mezger, CCRA, CBA, CICP, credit team lead at Uline (Pleasant Prairie, WI), earning his Certified International Credit Professional (CICP) designation helped him prepare to manage new international customers.   “As my company loo…

Business-to-business (B2B) credit management is a field where professionals often learn on the job, and most credit specialists have an unconventional path into the industry. To bridge knowledge gaps, many join trade associations, seek mentorship or gain experience through hands-on work. For ambitious credit professionals, pursuing certifications and educational programs further deepens their understanding and strengthens the skills necessary to navigate B2B credit effectively.