I never knew I wanted this until recently.

I found this group via a Facebook group for Executive Assistants (which I found via LinkedIn). I've been a member of other professional organizations but never one that was strictly devoted to my day job/career. I never intended to become a career Executive Assistant--my dream was to be a NYTimes bestselling novelist (I'm still working on that one). I landed in this position through a series of unfortunate--and fortunate--events and ended up at a great company with people I love and a super boss. When I found IAAP and asked him if I could join, he didn't hesitate to say yes. I started seeing information about certifications for EA. Then things changed a little at work and I had to come up with a quarterly goal. I knew then it was the universe telling me it was time to take the leap and get certified. I'm very fortunate in that my company is paying for the dues and fees related to IAAP and the CAP exam.

So, I'm sitting for the exam as a professional development goal and as a personal goal. I'm so grateful to the person who recommended the study group because I feel like I would fail miserably if I didn't have it. I've set aside time on my calendar every week for study time. I really want those three letters after my name. I'm confident it can only help me with all my other future endeavors and make me an invaluable asset to the company.

I wanted to share a little of my backstory to say that sometimes things you never planned for are the best things that happen. I'm excited and nervous for this next step.

Michelle, who is eyeing the mountain of reading, taking a deep breath and preparing the dive in.