Unlocking career growth: The power of education in credit management 

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping a professional’s career by providing the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a competitive job market. Beyond that, education also fosters personal growth, boosts confidence and builds a strong network that can support career advancement. By continuously learning, you not only improve your current role but also position yourself for long-term success.

Why it matters: In honor of National Credit Education Month, we’re highlighting the power of knowledge and emphasizing the pivotal role ongoing education plays in a credit professional’s career.   

Business-to-business (B2B) credit management is a multifaceted field, which requires expertise in various business areas such as risk mitigation, cash flow forecasting and bankruptcy law. A blend of technical skills including negotiation, creativity and relationship building is also essential. Through continued education, credit professionals can unlock new depths of expertise, refine their skills and stay ahead of industry trends. 

By mastering their craft, credit professionals can propel their careers to new heights. For instance, professional certifications equip credit professionals with a deeper understanding of their role and teach innovative ways to optimize everyday tasks. “Earning my ⁠CBA through NACM and FCIB’s ⁠Professional Certification Program opened my eyes to new approaches for solving problems,” said NACM Business Credit Services member, Kyle Kern, CBA, AR specialist at Outdoor Research (Seattle, WA). “I’ve learned different ways to tackle challenges and whether it’s through webinars, educational sessions or practice exams, NACM has helped me expand my credit knowledge, which has been super beneficial.” 

Continued education instills confidence in credit professionals. This self-assurance reflects in their added qualifications, experience and expertise. “Without the CBA and the CBF, I would not be where I am today in my credit career,” said NACM North Central member, Nicole Hernandez, ⁠CBF, senior credit analyst at Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc. (Coon Rapids, MN). “The CBF provided me with a newfound confidence in my role, demonstrating my commitment to my profession. Now, as leaders begin to retire, they can be confident in my future decisions for the credit department.” 

No matter where you are in your career, ongoing education contributes to overall professional growth. “Both professionally and personally, continuing education is about staying current and relevant in the industry and constantly evolving,” said NACM Connect member, Jill Burns, ⁠CBA, regional credit analyst at ABC Supply Co., Inc. (Beloit, WI). “On a deeper level, it’s about showing my kids that learning doesn’t stop after you graduate.”   

Study Tips and Professional Advice

Take advantage of the course materials and educational resources from NACM. For instance, students can access in-depth presentations in the ⁠Credit Learning Center (CLC) on a wide array of topics including the completion of a course or professional certification.  

Controlling your study environment improves your focus and comprehension. Building a study schedule with little interruptions makes focusing that much easier. “I find listening to classical music helps my ability to concentrate, which helps me deepen understanding,” Hernandez said.  

Dive deeper: An additional educational program available to credit professionals is the ⁠Graduate School of Credit & Financial Management (GSCFM), which provides credit professionals an exclusive chance to enhance their credit skills and knowledge with a path towards earning their CCE and CICP designations. 

The bottom line: Education is an investment that paves the way for professional growth. By earning designations through NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Program, credit professionals will establish credibility and gain the expertise needed to advance in the field.