Member Spotlight: Gain Confidence with Certifications

Confidence plays a key role in the success of a credit professional. You must be confident in your qualifications, experience and expertise to perform to the best of your ability. With NACM's six-level Professional Certification Program, credit professionals will not only gain invaluable knowledge and a stronger skill set, but they will gain confidence as a credit leader.

Misty Menashe, CBA, credit supervisor at LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. (Portland, OR) recently earned her Credit Business Associate (CBA) to better introduce herself to her internal teams. "I was promoted to a supervisor role when all our departments were working from home and my interactions with our sales team, customer service team and other managers is limited to emails and Teams meetings," she said. "The designation in my signature shows that I'm an active learner, engaged in my profession and have expertise in the subject."

Menashe knew it would be best to take the NACM led courses rather than rely solely on her college degree from 20 years ago and work experience. "The largest factor in my success is that my position has remained remote after the pandemic," she said. "Removing the commute times between home, office and class made it less stressful to add time for studying. My husband was supportive by prepping dinners while my three kids used public transportation to get home from high school on my class days."

To succeed in the course, she suggests that students take the certification exam review course, then retake the course mid-terms and finals or the end of chapter quizzes. "Try to answer questions closed book, check your answers and focus on the concepts you struggle most with," Menashe said. "Repeat until you are averaging 80% or more per quiz and do not hesitate to replay the exam review course. I listened to it three times!"

After receiving her CBA, Menashe has more confidence in her role and ability to make sound decisions. "I'm able to make strategic actions according to department policy and procedures when collecting receivables or extending trade credit. I'm also proud of being a positive role model to my teens encouraging them to never stop learning and it was also fun swapping studying techniques."

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