Like Pilar I have several years of undergrad credits, but could never settle on a major. Actually I was too chicken to declare what I should have and that is liberal arts. Unlike Pilar I have always worked in or around records management. I was always going to do something else and didn't know what that would be.

 

Twenty years pass and I'm still in records management. I realized that I was in a viable career and as such I should take some steps to build myself professionally. I joined ARMA. I'd attended meetings for years, but was never a card-carrying member. I paid for my own membership. Once my employer saw that I was regularly attending meetings they paid my way. 

 

I applied to take the CRM exams in 2000. For me that was way more stressful than taking the exams. Although I can be a tad cocky, I couldn't help but wonder if I was good enough to make the grade. I did get accepted and I took the first 5 exams. Again I paid my own way. This was my goal and I wanted to own it fully. 

 

We had a little study group at work. I only studied for Part 1 though. I passed 4 of the 5 exams. At this point I changed jobs and companies. I left the company I had been a part of for 22+ years. 

 

Part 2 gave me grief for 3 tries. I was really starting to get a complex. Meanwhile I changed employers again. I became a corporate records manager. My first gig at that level. I finally passed Part 2. 

 

Part 6 and I had issues the first time out. It took me 4 years before I would try again. During those 4 years I thought about the exam. I contacted the ICRM about a mentor, but I never really used them. Finally last summer I decided to try again. I registered to take Part 6 last November. To prepare I accessed the exam guide from the ICRM website and I actually read it. And y'all know the second time I passed.

 

The whole goal was personal. I think the accomplishment will benefit me professionally in the long run. My former and current teams here at work (Legal & Technology Business Applications Support) were impressed by the exam process and I know they get it. Mostly though I get it. And I have learned a great deal about myself. 

 

Rock on!

Sharon


Sharon Burnett, CRM
[log in to unmask]
Seattle Washington USA 

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and see why. If it is broke, take it apart
and see why."


 


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