Q&A with SMPS CT’s Newest CPSMs
Posted by [email protected] on May. 25, 2023 / Member Spotlight, Professional Development / Subscribe 0
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.
Director of Marketing, Flow Tech, Inc.
A: Short answer: In an industry of acronyms and post-nominal letters, I wanted some after my name!! Inspiring answer: It was a personal goal. I wanted to challenge myself. Obtaining the CPSM certification was proof of how much I’ve learned, grown and developed as an AEC marketer and leader over the past 10 years. It also elevates the marketing profession as a whole. It debunks the misconception that marketers only attend events and give each other awards. Now disbelievers can look up what CPSM means and realize I know my sh!t!
Join the SMPS CT study group! It prevented me from feeling overwhelmed or feeling like I was on an island of stress because I knew there were others experiencing the exact same thing as I was. Learning from our Chapter’s Domain Champions (who are angels to donate their time and help us through the process) was extremely valuable as well as hearing the perspective of other CPSM candidates, and to swap study and memory tips and tricks. Lastly, I don’t like to commit to something and not follow through and without the study group I wouldn’t have held myself accountable.
I am better prepared to expand Flow Tech’s marketing department in the near future. The Management domain was extremely informative and helpful by providing job titles and the typical responsibilities that go along with each, along with other recommendations related to marketing management. Also, although I’m never leaving Flow Tech, I am now more marketable if a life-changing event occurred, or for future opportunities like speaking engagements and eventually becoming a FSMPS (SMPS Fellow).
Manager of Business Development and Administration, Sustainable Engineering Solutions, LLC
A: I work at a small company that didn't have a marketing department before I joined, so I've learned everything I needed to know about my new role in Marketing and BD through SMPS CT. So, for me, studying for the CPSM exam was about more than earning letters after my name. It was an opportunity to gain valuable, relevant knowledge about marketing in the A/E/C industry
A: I won't lie, studying was HARD, but having a group of friends to hold each other accountable and to study with (and complain to when times were rough) was invaluable. Take advantage of SMPS CT's study groups! And take it a step further by scheduling your own study groups with others in those sessions, or at the very least, set up a calendar with milestones so you can hold yourself accountable between sessions. Coming to the study groups prepared is a huge help as well. If you've read the Markendium books and started studying the material on your own, you may have come across questions. The Domain Champions that host the study groups are CPSMs and are an excellent resource for any of your questions.
A: I hope to start giving back to the chapter that's helped me so much, by helping future CPSM candidates. I've also already been able to apply the knowledge I've learned in my role at SES, and I hope to be able to continue helping my company grow and evolve using what I've learned through the certification process.
Proposal Manager, CES
A: Jessica Fasi called and asked if I’d be interested. I honestly hadn’t even thought of it before that, but my youngest daughter had just started college and I figured I was up for a challenge.
A: Dana, Katelyn, and I met often over zoom to study between the mentor led sessions. I found that study group particularly helpful and I’m sure it was the reason I passed.
A: I hope the CPSM credentials will strengthen my experience and establish me as a specialist within our industry.
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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