Congratulations to Shalyn Wirfs, our newest CPSM! We asked Shalyn to share her experience in obtaining the Certified Professional Services Marketer certification.

Why did you decide to pursue the CPSM credential? 

I decided to pursue the CPSM credential because I wanted to improve my marketing skills in the AEC industry. I got my bachelor degree in marketing, but the classes I took were very general and many focused on product marketing, not service marketing. I had the marketing skills, but I wanted to better learn how to best apply them in our specific industry. I have learned most of these skills through my experience working in this industry, but additional training was definitely helpful. Additionally, I wanted to pursue the CPSM to grow myself professionally. I see it as a way to set myself apart from others. 

What would you tell others who are interested in getting their CPSM? 

I would say definitely do it! My boss and colleagues have noticed me applying lessons learned from the CPSM training already and have been giving great feedback on it! It does take A LOT of time studying so I would only pursue this if you are 100% certain you have the capacity to fit it into your schedule on top of all you life and work responsibilities.  

What was the best resource you found when preparing your exams? Do you have any study tips that helped you out? 

The CPSM boot camp SMPS Oregon provided was by far my biggest resource! It kept me on track for studying and being around people focusing on the same thing definitely motivated me. My study tip is don't cram. There is no way you can absorb everything in a short amount of time. Read the books and think about how you can potentially utilize them in real life. Thinking about how I could apply the concepts helped me better understand them. 

Visit our CPSM Certification page to learn more about certification benefits and exam resources.