I'm in a study group for the Fall 2024 exam - I actually applied for everything *first* to make sure that I wouldn't have an excuse to back out from committing!

I recently switched fields - sort of. I had been working in banking and finance - in admin roles - until very recently. I graduated in December 2008 at the beginning of the recession with a Master's in Arts in one hand and a signed job offer - at a bank - in the other. I was first generation for any post-secondary education, let alone an MA, and I knew that I needed a full time job in order to continue having (very needed) health insurance. I stayed in my field, eventually leaving that first (very toxic) job after some time to a more specialized area in finance. From there, I was promoted twice within 7 years to varying positions, as the company saw my ability and wanted to reward it with more responsibilities. I moved onward with my knowledge to a community foundation in their Investments team. A little over a year ago, I accepted a promotion/lateral move to focus on administrative tasks with the executive team here.

All of my years of experience - I've been paid into social security for almost 24 years now- have led me to being highly adept at logistics and organization. My background in academia (and time working/volunteering with various nonprofits) has given me unique insight that makes me an asset to whomever I work with. Those same skills and knowledge were not recognized by certain fields or management. A lot of my career post-education has had people dismiss my very-utilized skills as worthless (or de-valued as work for "certain genders.") I was told that without a degree specifically in administration, the work was of less value than other certificate-bearing fields.

I'm hoping that with this CAP under my belt, I can demonstrate that admin isn't a dirty word, but an integral part of any organization, especially one that requires its staff to don many hats throughout the day. With a certificate, I will have an active reminder that I am capable and equivalent to colleagues in other departments who also have studied for recognition and advancement. I'm very blessed with the direct colleagues I have now who value it, but certification will help me realize the value in the work I do, despite what I might have been told before.

I am in a Study Group as well Marie Herman's!

I am so glad you have moved away from the toxic work environment. I do believe the CAP is a valuable credential that helps to strengthen your resume, however, I would have had a very serious word with any coworker who implied that my skills were not a vital part of any team I was a member of! Good for you for standing up for yourself and for the admin profession!

Yes! I enjoyed the introductory session and am looking forward to learning more with the group!

Congratulations on making the commitment to sit for the CAP exam. If you do all of the homework and participate in every one of Marie's sessions, you will be very well prepared for the exam. Marie's study group helped me tremendously. Best of luck to you. Please feel free to reach out here or on LinkedIn if I can be of encouragement along the way.

Congratulations on investing in yourself and your professional journey! As Marie mentioned, I'm glad you're out of that toxic environment. It's so easy for us to find ourselves feeling stuck, and that erodes your own confidence in ways you can't even see until you're past it. Study groups are great ways to not only prepare for the CAP, but expand your network and start growing now. Always here to cheer you on!

Best wishes on your CAP certification journey!

Good luck on your CAP journey!

Congratulations on working toward professional certification in the administrative field. It has been my experience that when an employer says you lack a qualification (in their eyes), they will find any reason not to justify promotion or whatever it is the employee is looking for. They have a narrow vision that is probably impossible to meet. I wish you luck in seeking certification and I do hope it opens the eyes of your company. It was a little easier in the olden days when a copy of the exam could be sent to the employer. Even the sample questions were an eye opener. I will admit, I do not know if that is possible these days but I'm sure a copy of the study materials available would help educate the employer.