Member Spotlight: Valuable Tools for the Future

Commitment is key in accomplishing your career goals. Your drive and determination are important in order to stay focused on what you want to accomplish. Through NACM's Professional Certification Program, credit professionals have an opportunity to grow and learn more about the profession with educational courses offered.

"Making the commitment to study and sit for the exam was a logical step for me in my career," said Patricia Crisman, CBA, accounting associate at Steelscape (Kalama, WA). "When I was originally hired for my position, I demonstrated my enthusiasm for learning and growing within the credit environment. The company I work for encourages education and offers financial assistance."

Finding the time to study for the final exam was challenging for Crisman as she was planning a wedding and buying a new house at the same time. But she still made time taking small chunks out of her day to do study practices. "That's what I love about the flexibility of NACM's classes and programs," Crisman said. "Passing my exam was the highlight of my year and it feels great to be recognized with a tangible award that signifies my commitment to learning credit management."

Crisman said earning her Credit Business Associate (CBA) highlights what she hopes to accomplish in the future. Her goal is to eventually earn her Credit Business Fellow (CBF) and Certified Credit Executive (CCE).

"Once earned, your CBA designation can't be taken away from you," Crisman said. "It is a valuable tool for the future, within your current company or on the road to your next journey. Having the first designation also signifies your relationship with NACM, which is a national group of people working in the same career sector as you. There are many connections and friendships to be made along the way."

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