Member Spotlight: Designations Spark Passion
After dedicating several years in the same career or industry, it can be easy to fall into complacency with the information you have learned over time. NACM's Professional Certification Program provides credit professionals with the tools they need to expand their knowledge and skillsets and caters to those who have a passion for learning something new.
"As time passed, I noticed I started to stray further and further away from the lessons and skills I learned in college," said Benjamin Daniel Melton, CBA, credit analyst at Husqvarna Construction Product North America (Kansas City, MO). "Getting the Credit Business Associate (CBA) designation reinforced going over the information I needed to help me bring those old skills back to life that may have been neglected by not using them as much in my day-to-day work activities."
By regularly reading NACM's publications, Melton gained insight on various topics, such as changing markets, which led him to want to earn his CBA. "After earning my CBA designation, I have a better understanding of the role of the credit department, laws and agencies that govern business credit and the importance of business credit in B2B commerce," said Melton. "The financial statement analysis course in particular helped me polish my understanding of ratios and gain a better comprehension for international and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial statements."
Even in challenging times, Melton remained determined, devoting his time and energy to finishing the program. With the demands of working and preparing for his newborn baby, putting together a schedule that allowed for the extra time to complete the course was difficult but doable. "NACM's hybrid learning schedule was flexible enough to meet my needs in the time I needed most," said Melton. "I plan on moving forward in obtaining my CCRA and other designations through NACM after seeing the positive impact that earning my CBA has had on my professional career."
For more information about each designation within NACM's Professional Certification Program, visit our website.
