I am currently the Executive Assistant at a midcap medical device company. I have worked for this same company for the past 20+ years, 18 of which have been as an Administrative Professional. I have an Associates Degree in General Administrative Assistance, and I have worked in Operations, IT, Finance and Executive Management. Thanks to the fast paced environment and consistent year over year growth of the company, in my full 20 years I have never gone more than 2 years max without a title change or level increase. That is, until I became Executive Assistant to the CEO in 2014. At that time, I felt I had come to a point where I would be satisfied in accomplishing as much as one person could without moving around to several different companies. NOT SO!!! As I looked back over all that I had accomplished, I realized that the one thing I had not been able to do in my career was pass the CAP exam! Just FYI to all, during this wonderful 20 year journey as an Admin, I have taken the CAP exam 3 times without passing. After the third try, I finally gave up on it and focused on pursuing advancement within my company which finally landed me in my current role which I still absolutely love. Unfortunately, reality hit me this past year as I completed my self evaluation for 2017. I realized that for the first time in a long time, I did not have anything new to add to my list of accomplishments! So, what now? Well, I am sitting for the CAP exam not just in the hopes of getting a level increase or title change, but to continue my level of accomplishment and to continue to strive for excellence as an Executive Admin for me and my company. I feel that obtaining this certification will place me back on my path of continuous growth. I am so glad that I found out about Marie's prep class, and I am very excited/determined to keep working at this until I get those very important 3 letters behind my name! I will then be able to encourage the other Executive Admin staff at my company to pursue their own CAP or other certifications. Best wishes to everyone on this journey...let's make it happen in 2018!

Congratulations on taking this next step in your personal and professional development. I'm so glad you have continued to pursue your goal of passing the CAP exam! Joining a study group is a great way to help you be successful. Best wishes with your studies. We're all pulling for you and can't wait to celebrate your success with you!

Congrats in moving forward in your career by taking the CAP exam.

You go girl!

Although I have read many wonderful stories with this session's students, this is one of my most favorite so far. I love seeing the determination within you that says, so what if I failed - they were learning experiences and I am not going to let them stop me from continuing to put forth maximum effort to pass this test. I know so many people that have tried, and if they don't pass the first time, they shrug their shoulders and say, well I guess it wasn't meant to be and walk away. I am so proud of you for going for it again. That takes great courage and discipline. I want to see that name tag with your initials after your name at Summit this year!!! Let's keep our fingers crossed that your boss will reward you with that trip when you get those initials!!! Let's do this!!!

Thank you all for your encouragement!