Phil, you ask a fair question. As to the question of age, that depends on the person. Are you retiring soon? If so any personal career investment will have minimal continuing value. But if you intend to continue in your career for some time it certainly can pay you back. That is an individual choice. I was in the original group of IGP recipients. My age at the time of the test was 54. I never even considered not taking it due to my age, and I wish I could retire soon!
I am an Adjunct Professor for Emporia State University. I teach a course on Records and Information Management as part of the MLS program. Every new group of students gets my lecture on the importance of continuous self-improvement. The current economic environment makes this even more critical. I don't care what your age is or what position you hold. There is no staying even in our careers these days. If you don't invest in yourself you are falling behind. There are many choices as to how you make that investment.
So, is the CRM a practical and relevant choice? That depends. Like many who hold it, I took the CRM to prove something to myself. Sure, I hoped it would lead to greater opportunity and income. It did. But the greatest reward, to me, was in certifying to myself that I had reached a minimal level of competence. I specifically avoided focusing on RIM in my college work and chose more generic degrees. The CRM was, to me, my Bachelor's degree in RIM.
You will be forced to focus your study on critical elements of the information lifecycle if you choose to work toward your CRM. It will lead you to a better understanding of the nature and value of information. Sure, there are areas of the CRM study and exam that will seem antiquated. As with any education program, you never know which elements will be of value down the road. But the CRM does provide a foundation that leads to a greater understanding as to how information affects the organization. And the successful candidate should come away with new skills and tools to better manage and lead in the effective use of that information.
There are other avenues to pursue as well. I believe the IGP has real value and merit. I couldn't find a better companion for my CRM. Check out what AIIM has to offer. And never forget that investing yourself in opportunities with ARMA is both educational and valuable. I have been a local chapter leader, a member of the annual Conference Education Committee, an ad hoc member of Standards, and numerous other efforts at the International level. Nothing pushes you to learn like involvement. And that has been as impressive to employers as anything else. It is also a great way to make new friends!
Let me wrap up for you and anyone else who has gutted it out to the end. Should you let age be a deterrent? NO! Should you pursue CRM? Sure, if it is right for you. Is it worth your investment? Only you can make that decision. But you are worth whatever investment you choose to make for yourself. Never stop learning and never stop making yourself more valuable in the job market.
David B. Steward
Director of Records
HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP
4801 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, MO 64112-2551
Direct: 816.983.8860
Fax: 816.983.8080
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huschblackwell.com
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