I will sit for the 2017 CAP exam and I am both thrilled and nervous as all get out!  

 

I joined the wonderfully successful Forest City Chapter of IAAP in early 2012.  I was nervous then - going into a room of strangers, having been invited by a co-worker who I barely knew - I wanted to crawl under the table!  I was most definitely out of my comfort zone.  I needn't have worried because I was warmly welcomed and suddenly felt like I was part of something great.  I took the leap - attending ODAM, committing to chair education and programs that first year, vice president the next, and then, well, things changed.  A lot.  

 

From the very beginning, I was in awe of and inspired by the women who had earned their certification.  I joined a study group.  Twice.  I did not stay the course and when I learned there were more changes coming, specifically to the exam process, materials, etc., I decided to wait a year, then another.  

 

I attended Summit 2016 for the first time and it was an exhilarating experience!  That's when I realized I have been waiting too long for the right time to go for the CAP.  The time is NOW!

 

After trying independent studying, and a group that met more often than not, but not every single week, I feel like I've found the right "home."  Thank you, Marie Herman.  I truly feel like I'm in great hands.  I feel like my head is in the game.  I have the materials I need.  No more excuses!

 

The question I am most often asked is am I doing this for a raise and/or do I want a promotion.  I tell them that this is for me to prepare for my future and when an opportunity presents itself, along with my many years of experience,I will be armed with a certification that demonstrates my commitment to learning and professional excellence.  

 

I am at a crossroads; I'm about halfway through my professional career.  Whatever I am doing in 5, 10, or 15 years from now, I want to be doing it because it challenges me, satisfies me and it is what I want to be doing.  I don't want to settle and I don't want to look back and wish I'd positioned myself better.

 

So off I go!  

 

 

 

All right, let's get this done and checked off your list!

I'm glad it's finally clicking with your brain to be in the right frame of mind to pursue certification. Sometimes we do indeed seem to wait for all the stars to align before making our move and the truth is, we have the power to rearrange those stars ourselves many times. Sometimes there are valid life circumstances that should take priority (lke medical issues for instance), but so often I see it is just "regular life" getting in the way - not truly special significance.

You can do this!!!

My journey to Certification

Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher said, “The only thing that is constant is change” and wasn’t he spot on? He was, at least for me! Not entirely by choice, but more due to changing circumstances, I have lived in four different countries in almost equal chunks, had two career changes, each time trying to be the best I can be by seizing every opportunity to better myself.

As an administrator for more than a decade, experience has been my biggest teacher and my journey to date has been very rewarding. However, I believe that some kind of formal learning would give me a boost in my professional life. Achieving CAP would be icing on the cake and when that is achieved, I’d like to add on some more. IAAP has great opportunities for learning and I will pursue further.

I am so excited to join Marie Herman’s Study Group and share learning and experiences with other like-minded administrative professionals, globally. Knowledge is Power.

To my colleagues in our study group – so nice getting to know you. Let’s do it…. let’s get “CAP” behind our names!

You never know when a formal credential will be valuable in your career. It's well worth seeking out different kinds of experience, including professional certification. Glad to share the journey with you!

You're so right, Marie, about aligning our stars. You're a patient, kind and inspirational teacher. And you really make me laugh, too!

A., hello to my "study group buddy" and we're on this wonderful journey together so settle in and keep reading!

We can and will do this.

A. D'Souza, thank you for sharing your story. I look forward to seeing our names in the winner circle when the exam results come in. Cheers!