To CRM or not to CRM...this is a topic on which I am very torn.  
   
  I have the designation and I am proud to be included in their ranks.  It took a while to get the darned thing, after all, and it was hard work for me to fit that study time in the midst of all of my commitments.  
   
  As a rule, I don't include all of my designations on my signature line that belong after my name--on the excellent advice of a friend, I keep that for my resume only--but I am a firm believer in certificates and certifications.
   
  I especially believe they are advantageous when interviewing for that next position on the corporate food chain!  However, some (most?) potential employers don't understand properly all that is involved in the creation of or maintenance of a records program.  Some (most?) respect the certification process though and that translates easily enough.  There's your threshold to begin talking about the major components of a RIM program...and away you go through the interview process.
   
  I respect those professionals who have it and those who don't.  I felt more comfortable knowing my boss has a CRM, because that meant I could call upon her throughout the application and testing process and I feel more comfortable in my knowledge knowing I have a CRM now, but it doesn't mean that records competencies are exclusive to CRMs. 
  There are very few people on this RIMserv that I wouldn't listen to for advice...regardless of whether they're a CRM or no.  It's like attending an ARMA presentation--maybe I only glean one or two details that will help me in my job, but it's worth it.  :-)
   
  In the immortal words of a friend of mine who I GREATLY respect: you can tell when someone has done the work.  Does a CRM designation make the records professional?  Not necessarily.  To qualify to sit, you have to prove competencies in at least four areas of RIMgmt...it's not a case of signing up to give a talk on which you know nothing, learning all you can from books/online resources/listservs about the topic, giving a speech on it, and then claiming competency.  Those in the audience who have really done the work will know you haven't lifted the lid off the box or designed reports to cull information from your EDMS that will support your project's critical success factors...and CRMs are usually a small percentage of the audience.  
   
  A friend of mine called me recently.  She asked for names that she could recommend to a local recruiter for a STAGGERINGLY WELL PAID position.  I blush to think of the amount.  My friend clarified that the position description included, "CRM is preferable, but with ten to fifteen years of experience." She said, "Don't give me names of any CRM who has just 2--3 years. The company was extremely clear that they are not impressed with so few years of experience as a CRM and they would not entertain the idea of interviewing that person.  A CRM with 2--3 years of experence means they passed a test, nothing more."  
   
  So, as the saying goes, put that in your pipe and smoke it--I know I definitely wouldn't qualify, but I'm working towards it...
   
  Bottom line: I leave it up to your personal choice.  Mine was to take a chance on applying.


Mimi Dionne, CRM
Records Manager
Cheniere Energy, Inc.
717 Texas Avenue
Houston, Texas 77002
832.217.2412
 
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