Certification program helps professionals master new roles

NACM’s Professional Certification Program allows designation seekers to hone their credit management skills and immerse themselves in the industry, whether they’re new to the field or looking to brush up on credit knowledge.  

For Jen Osborne, collections specialist at Atlas Copco Compressors (Rock Hill, SC), earning her Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation helped her get acclimated to a new role after a decade spent in equipment finance.  

Earning a designation takes dedication to learning the finer points of credit, from the history of the industry to financial analysis. The wealth of knowledge gained through the course makes the experience invaluable to those working in the industry. 

Osborne took detailed notes on each topic and typed up notes after class to make sure she did not miss anything. “Looking back at my journey with getting my CBA certification, I learned a lot of valuable information in 10 months,” Osborne said.  

Armed with the wealth of knowledge that NACM’s Professional Certification Program offered, Osborne approached complicated situations in her day-to-day work with newfound confidence. “I proved to myself, my colleagues and my company that I could do it,” she said. “It has given me the confidence I didn’t realize I was lacking. While I am surrounded by experienced credit professionals, I often felt like I did not have as much to offer as they did due to my inexperience in the field. Now, I feel like I bring a lot more to the table and can be of more value.” 

📝Study tip: “There were times when I was overwhelmed, but it was mostly because I could not grasp the concept and needed to learn to ask the instructor the right questions to get to the answer they were looking for,” Osborne said. “Normally when I was struggling with something, someone else was also struggling with the same thing so it benefited all of us when someone spoke up.”