Member Spotlight: Education Inspires

Professionals in every industry know that education never stops. Learning is an ongoing process that we take with us in every level of life. NACM's Professional Certification Program provides six levels of education credit professionals need to level up professionally and personally. Whether being in the industry for 10 months or 10 years, earning a designation is a rewarding accomplishment that reflects your expertise in different ways.

As a credit professional in the banking industry for more than 25 years, David Dedrick, CCE, director of commercial lending at Kohler Credit Union (Sheboygan, WI) decided to enroll in the NACM Graduate School of Credit and Management (GSCFM) to provide himself with a well-rounded knowledge base of credit from a banking perspective and from the trade side. "Between the other students and professors, I created connections that'll last my entire career," Dedrick said. "After completing grad school, I decided to sit for the Certified Credit Executive (CCE) exam. Getting back into the study routine was a gradual process, but the wonderful staff at NACM helped me through every step of the way—and the lessons learned are permanent tools I refer to in my toolbox as my career continues."

Through long nights of studying and exam prep, one major study tip Dedrick has is to take advantage of the recommended study guides and books. "Give yourself enough time to read and re-read the resource books as well as the practice exams NACM provides," he said. "I would plan on studying and preparing for this exam for at least one to two months in advance. The exam is long and covers a large variety of topics, so take your time and focus on one question at a time."

Completing NACM's GSCFM and earning the CCE contributed to the advancement of Dedrick's career and his overall outlook on being a credit professional. "Earning this designation alongside so many exceptional credit professionals make the classwork, reading, case studies and hours of studying well worth it!"

For more information about each designation within NACM's Professional Certification Program, visit our website.