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<title>Better late than never!</title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555198</link>
<description></description>
<lastBuildDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:43:00 GMT</lastBuildDate>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2020 03:43:35 GMT</pubDate>
<copyright>Copyright &#xA9; 2020 IAAP</copyright>
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<item>
<title>Better late than never!</title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555198</link>
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<description><![CDATA[I have been an executive assistant for 29 years. I was a member of Professional Secretaries International before there ever was an IAAP. In 2005 I was in the very early stages of becoming certified when things took a downturn at my company. I did not renew my membership with IAAP after that year. I was able to stay with that company and thought I would end up retiring from there so had no need to proceed with certification. 

Last year I received a wonderful opportunity for the job I have today and could not pass it up. It meant that I had to refresh myself on some areas that I had let lag. Most importantly, I began to feel valued and important again. While my last employer always expressed that I was indeed valued and important, I simply didn’t feel that way for the last few years.

When a new co-worker mentioned the possibility of getting certified, I didn’t give it much thought. I had convinced myself that there was no value in it for me at my age. I have no doubt that I am good at what I do and saw no benefit of certification at my age. I thought it was a great thing for anyone younger though. I did begin membership with IAAP, went to a meeting with her, participated in a few webinars, and began reading the magazine. 

During the next year I saw the results of a predecessor that refused to keep an open mind and learn new skills. I do not want to happen to me!  This coupled with my co-worker’s excitement about taking the exam got me interested in looking into it again after all these years. Working from home during the pandemic made it a priority for me. I studied up on the certification and discussed with my with employer as soon as we were able to meet face to face. 

My first group study session was last week. I am looking forward to this entire process. 
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<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2020 18:58:12 GMT</pubDate>
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<title></title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555199</link>
<guid>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555199</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Congratulations, Peggy! ]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2020 19:19:55 GMT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title></title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555201</link>
<guid>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555201</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Best of luck in your certification journey ]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 7 Jun 2020 19:31:14 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title></title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555215</link>
<guid>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555215</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Enjoy the journey! ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 8 Jun 2020 00:19:23 GMT</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
<title></title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555266</link>
<guid>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555266</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Best wishes on your CAP certification journey!]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 8 Jun 2020 13:15:54 GMT</pubDate>
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<item>
<title></title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555284</link>
<guid>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555284</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Thank you for sharing your story!  Best wishes on your journey to certification!]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 8 Jun 2020 14:06:53 GMT</pubDate>
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<title></title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555492</link>
<guid>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555492</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Congratulations on taking this next step in your personal and professional development! I'm so glad you found us again and are pursuing your CAP. I love reading everyone's stories! Best wishes with your studies.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 9 Jun 2020 15:56:51 GMT</pubDate>
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<title></title>
<link>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555687</link>
<guid>https://www.iaap-hq.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1555687</guid>
<description><![CDATA[I think it is so easy to slip into complacency - whether because we feel "safe" in our jobs or we think we will retire soon or whatever reason. All I know is, time after time, I see administrative professionals get the rug pulled out from underneath their feet and they are ill prepared for an unexpected job search or angry because they are passed up on a promotion. Keeping your skills cutting edge (and more important - relevant) is so critical to long term success. I'm so glad you have decided to come back and try for the certification and that I get to share the journey with you.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2020 04:43:35 GMT</pubDate>
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