From CBA to CBF: One professional’s commitment to growth

No matter how experienced or qualified you may be, starting a new job often comes with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. With the right training, guidance and personal dedication, those early nerves give way to confidence and competence. 

With a background in banking, Yaseen Owen, CBF, CCRA, area financial services manager at J.R. Simplot Company, acknowledged that his trade credit knowledge was initially limited. “While similar, banking and trade credit are vastly different professions,” said Owen. Encouraged by both his manager, Philip Mundine, and his mentor, Wendy Miller, Owen decided to enroll in NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Program to earn his Certified Business Associate (CBA) certification, which helped him develop in his new role. “I followed in their footsteps not only because they inspired me, but because I have an innate competitive streak,” he said. “As I started my education journey, I found that I genuinely enjoyed learning something I could actually use day to day.” 

Following his accreditation, Owen went on to earn his Credit Business Fellow (CBF) certification. He found coursework in business credit law particularly valuable and discovered effective study habits along the way. In addition to the personal satisfaction of completing the program, Owen’s hard work paid off professionally. His latest certification led to a promotion from credit analyst to area financial services manager. “Having a strong foundation in business and credit law has made me more effective in my role,” Owen said. “I work on both the credit and collections sides, and that understanding has been invaluable.” 

For others considering pursuing their CBF, Owen encourages curiosity and connection. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who have already earned the designation or are working toward it,” he said. “I relied on those conversations for insight, support and motivation to finish. In the end, you’ll be surprised at what you’ve learned and proud of yourself for starting something and seeing it through.” 

✏️Study Tips: Take advantage of all resources. “I referenced the textbooks in conjunction with the videos,” Owen explained. “That helped me actively listen, because if I’m just watching a video, my mind can drift. Having the book in front of me kept me engaged.” 

Owen also learned the importance of studying in focused intervals. “I realized I stay more motivated and retain more information when I work in blocks of time—about 30 to 45 minutes—rather than trying to study for hours at a time,” Owen said. “Taking short breaks and then refocusing helped me get more done and be more efficient. I learned how important that was for me, especially while earning my CBF.”