SMPS CT Blog

Q&A with SMPS CT’s Newest CPSM!

Posted by Marta Dabrowski 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. SMPS CT's newest CPSM sat down with us to share her motivation for taking the exam, her study tips, and how she hopes the certification will impact her careers.

Marketing Manager, Petra Construction 

Jessica Parkins joined the A/E/C industry 16 years ago where she found her passion playing an integral role in an industry that turns visions into buildings and thriving communities. Prior to joining Petra Construction in 2015 as their Marketing Manager, she held various positions with other architecture and engineering firms that allowed her to gain valuable knowledge of the industry. Jessica received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Southern Connecticut State University.  In 2014, Jessica became a member of SMPS Connecticut and quickly joined the Programs Committee where she shared her expertise in event planning. Jessica joined the Board as a Director in 2015 and stepped up to chair the Programs Committee for four years prior to serving as Treasurer for two consecutive terms. She was awarded the Grace Waldvogel Member of the Year Award in 2018 in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the Chapter. As an active community volunteer, Jessica assists the Yale New Haven Hospital Auxiliary Toy Closet with their holiday toy drives, made meals for the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut families, and participates in numerous food drives and fundraisers. In her free time, she likes spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and visiting the magical world of Disney as often as possible!

A: Having been in the industry for over 16 years, I saw it as a good next step in my career. I really enjoy a challenge, especially feeling that sense of achievement and accomplishment. Of course, it’s nice to have those letters after your name that remind you of your hard work and dedication to your career.

Trust what works for you when it comes to studying, everyone retains information differently. Take advantage of the chapter’s study groups and lean into the support of those leading the sessions as well as those that are taking the exam. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to your peers and ask for advice. Before I took my exam I reached out to a few CPSMs and the information that they shared about their own experiences was extremely helpful.

Being a CPSM will help keep me moving forward in the industry, learning new skills and trends through continuing education. I even learned a lot of new information while studying that I’m hoping I can put to good use in my day-to-day. I will definitely be hanging on to my Markendium books to use as a resource.

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 Professional Development 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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