My story began on Friday, April 14, 2017. I was having a phone interview with the VP of HR for a new career opportunity, after 45 mins into the conversation, she asked if I ever heard of CAP OM? Was I aware that I could be certified? I had no idea! My phone interview went very well. In the end, I was invited to meet with the president of the company. A week later, I had an offer of employment. I started my new job on May 1st; during my first week, I had the opportunity to thank the VP of HR for introducing me to IAAP. I did some research and decided to take the next steps to improving my skills and becoming certified. I have been an EA for over 10 years supporting senior level executives and C-Suites in both private and public companies. I am now enrolled to write the CAP exam in September 2017. I have not written an exam in over 20+ years, so I am pretty nervous. I am not sure how I will do, but I will try my best to learn as much as possible. After all, knowledge is power. The more I know, the more confident I will become. I am a working mom of 3, so life is busy. My husband is supportive, but life seems to conflict with my "intended" study time. I try to squeeze it in when ever I can. 30 mins here, 60 mins there, I'll even take the 15 mins if that's all I can get. I have read the entire study guide (once), not sure how much I retained. I plan to re-read each section as it pertains to Marie's weekly CAP Study Group. Yikes, Marie is not kidding when she said there will be extensive reading/homework the first few weeks. The extra materials are great, but I am a slow reader and will need to take some time to review the material. It is certainly a challenging course (there is so much to know), but I am hopeful that I will pass. I am grateful for Marie's Study Group. Thank you, Carmen

Congratulations for taking your career to new heights! And...much appreciation to your employer for introducing you to IAAP and professional certification!

Congrats on both fronts: new job & taking the leap towards your CAP! You will do great in both.

Take it from someone who was once there, you will make it. In my case, I waited until my youngest child went to college to begin my certification quest and it was longer than 20 years since taking any exams. It is a great adventure and sometimes I think it may be easier for those of us who have more experience. My suggestion is to find a study buddy and put on your calendar a regular study date. In this day and age that does not mean face-to-face but it does help if you can.

Congratulations on realizing this dream. Based on your post, I'd guess you'll be prepared & pass on your 1st take! We're pulling for you.

Thank so much for all the positive vibes. I really appreciate it!

Thanks*

Thank you for sharing your story with us and congratulations on your new job.

You are taking all of the right steps to ensure you obtain certification and you have a lot of support from those of us who have gone before you and remember the commitment and hard work it takes to prepare for and pass the exam so reach out if you need encouragement from time to time. Remember, you know more than you think you do.

I'm sure others will be inspired by you to take the step to achieving certification.

Sharon

Carmen, thanks for sharing!

Congratulations on the new job - it sounds like you have signed on with a great team! Kudos to your employer for introducing you to IAAP and certification! Kudos to you for taking on such a big step at the beginning of your new career journey! Mary's study group is a great resource - if anyone/group can assist you on the way - it's that one! You also have a multitude of resources here on Social Link. Many of us have been where you are and are happy to help you achieve success in any way we can! As Sharon Taylor said..."You know more than you think you do."

Best of luck!

Carmen,
I am in Marie's Study Group with you and I agree that there is a lot of reading. I wish the best for you on you studying, especially with ones who depend on you. I too have not taken an test like this in over 30 years, so we will just keep trucking along and we will get this done.