SMPS CT Blog

Q&A with SMPS CT’s Newest CPSMs

Posted by Communications Committee on Feb. 10, 2023  /  Member Spotlight, Professional Development  /   0

It's SMPS CT CPSM Week 2023! CPSM stands for Certified Professional Services Marketer. The certification is a mark of distinction that signifies an investment in yourself, your firm, and the future of A/E/C marketing. Three of our newest CPSMs sat down with us to share their motivation for taking the exam, their study tips, and how they hope the certification will impact their careers.

 

Julia DeFrances, CPSM

Senior Marketing Coordinator, BL Companies

Q: What motivated you to become a CPSM?

A: I felt like I had some key knowledge gaps I needed to fill, because my degree is not in Marketing but English and Professional Writing. I wanted to ensure I had a mastery of Professional Services Marketing beyond things I did every day, like proposals.

Q: Do you have any tips for someone who is beginning the process and starting to study now?

Studying for the CPSM is a marathon, not a sprint, so start early, and build a consistent study schedule. I blocked off lunch periods so I could study, and participated in the monthly study group sessions, which helped keep me on track.

Q: How do you hope the CPSM will impact your career going forward?

I hope the expanded knowledge and increased confidence I’ve gained will help me as I progress through my career. I feel like it has better equipped me to tackle new challenges, and gives me a well-rounded perspective on the ins and outs of Professional Services Marketing.

 

Miles McDonald, CPSM

Marketing Coordinator, BVH Integrated Services

Q: What motivated you to become a CPSM?

A: I wanted to grow in my career and perform my job to the best of my abilities.

Q: Do you have any tips for someone who is beginning the process and starting to study now?

A: Read the Markendium books, attend the study sessions, and take the practice exams.

Q: How do you hope the CPSM will impact your career going forward?

A: I’m hoping the knowledge I gained while obtaining the CPSM will help me do my job better and provide more value to my organization, resulting in a more fulfilling career and advancement opportunities.

 

 
Nicole Owens, CPSM

Senior Associate|Marketing & Communications Manager, Amenta Emma Architects

Q: What motivated you to become a CPSM?

A: I’ve wanted to become a CPSM for several years now, and I felt like I was at a point in my life and career where I could make studying and taking the exam a priority.

Q: Do you have any tips for someone who is beginning the process and starting to study now?

A: Definitely take advantage of the study sessions. Meeting once a month in a virtual group setting was helpful to keeping me on track with the reading. The tips shared by the SMPS CT Domain Champions for studying and taking the exam were invaluable.

Q: How do you hope the CPSM will impact your career going forward?

I know the whole experience will have a positive impact on my career, and I am very eager to turn the knowledge I’ve gained into results for the firm.

 

Are you considering starting on the path to earning your CPSM designation? Check out SMPS National's website to learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process. If you are interested in participating in SMPS CT's study sessions please contact our Education Committee.

Becoming a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) will test your knowledge and your mettle.

With CPSM credentials behind your name, you demonstrate that you not only have industry experience, but you have also mastered the SMPS Domains of Practice for Professional Services Marketing. As you continue to climb the ladder in your career, a CPSM designation helps you distinguish yourself as a proven leader. When you apply for the CPSM program, you are taking your first step toward joining a group of 900+ professionals who have made a commitment to professional excellence, career advancement, and an ongoing pursuit of knowledge through the domains, which outline the day-to-day functions of professional services marketers and business developers.

Earning your CPSM designation proves proficiency in the domain’s knowledge areas and skill sets and sets the bar for professional expertise and excellence.

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