A few years ago had attended an IAAP event in my city with several co-workers.  In meeting various attendees, saw they had initials after their names.  They explained they had taken the CAP exam and in some cases also the OM exam.  Was not sure if it was something I was interested in pursuing but did discuss it with one of my friends.  Earlier this year, found out my friend/co-worker took the CAP Exam and the OM exam in March 2016.  She passed both.  Was so happy and proud of her accomplishment.  She never mentioned to me that she was going to do so.  It got me thinking that I should pursue as well especially as my area of the company was and still is going through a major transformation project.  I joined IAAP in May of 2016 and was planning on taking the exam in September but felt with the changes at work I should instead try for March 2017. 

 

My boss announced her surprise retirement in September and is leaving at the end of this year.  That made me realize it was important to pursue taking the CAP exam and to start preparing.  I attended an on-line webinar in late September regarding the various certifications and decided to join the 2017 March CAP Study Group that started in late November.

 

My new boss started in mid-November and is based in another city.  My experience as an administrative assistant helped with her on-boarding process, making travel arrangements to visit her direct reports where I’m located, setting up and moderating the global town hall meeting she held with her team members who are located in various countries, via videoconference, webinar and audio conferencing.  Although I handle most of her work requirements, there are assistants at her location who print out items for her meetings and other tasks that I’m not able to help her with due to location.

 

With that being said, not sure what the next few months will hold for me professionally but am prepared for whatever comes my way.  Studying for the exam is something that I can control and it will contribute to my future advancement or future job search if I pass in March.  Being an assistant for over 34 years, want to show that I’m able to grow and am knowledgeable as an administrative assistant professional.

Take it from someone who took the certification exam many, many years ago, and for her own personal gratification, you will definitely feel differently about your capabilities once you've gone through the experience. It will help you realize you are a professional in your field. Although I am an official retiree, I continue to recertify my credentials. I also hole the OM specialty and was one of the first to obtain that designation. I sometimes consider pursuing the TA specialty but right now it remains in the thought stage. Congratulations on your pursuit and your new executive.

I think it's natural to re-evaluate things when change hits us. It's a good way to shake up our complacency and light a fire under us to take actions we have been procrastinating on. I believe it makes us more accepting of change because we are more proactive in how we respond to it.

One of the things I have seen over and over again with these study groups is the growth in self confidence and self esteem of the attendees. So often this ends up leading to increased roles at their workplace. I don't believe that specifically comes from passing the exam. I do believe though that their company leadership sees their employee being proactive, focused on professional development, displaying initiative and follow through and generally demonstrating leadership and success qualities. THAT's what I think companies take into account when watching their employees.

You are starting on an epic journey. It's going to be an exciting and bumpy ride, but I can't wait for the day you can tell me about showing your coworkers and friends your own new acronym after your name.