Helping You Build Your Career
By Ron Worth, FSMPS, CPSM, FAIC, CPC, CEO of SMPS National

The best part of working for SMPS is the joy of helping shape successful careers within the association. The Society approaches this in many ways, from printed material to seminars, literally from coast to coast. I'd like to briefly address our efforts with credentialing, specifically the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) designation and its value to you.

SMPS is involved in a certification coalition of 28 peer associations working together to literally build a better tomorrow for you and the industry through certification. Collectively these groups are striving to change the image of the industry through our individual certification programs, reinforcing the value of continuing professional and skills development, emphasizing the body of knowledge essential to your job, and recognizing those who strive for and attain this level of professionalism. In March, SMPS, along with NSPE, CMAA, and AIC, conducted a workshop on industry certification trends for the contracting industry at two major conventions.

Under the leadership of Bob Trout, CPSM, Business Development Manager for Merrick & Company (www.merrick.com) in Aurora, CO, the SMPS National Certification Committee is working diligently to expand the value of the CPSM program within the association. The committee's members are developing new ways to expand the careers of CPSMs through information sharing on the listserve, opportunities to present at industry events and write for media or association publications, and special skill-building sessions at the National Conference. More details about these initiatives will be available in the months ahead.

Over 10% of SMPS members now have earned the CPSM credentials. These simple initials can help you secure salary increases from some employers and special status if you find yourself back in the job market. We will continue to do all we can to build the program—and its value to you—as time goes on.

SMPS now offers the CPSM exam online, at chapters, during regional conferences, prior to the Chapter Presidents' Leadership Symposium, and of course, at the National Conference. To learn more about the exam and the eligibility requirements, visit www.smps.org/certification/certification.htm#elig. For those of you who want to give back even further, please consider getting involved with the Certification Committee: It can truly make a difference in your life and the industry. [ return to top ]