Where the "Greens" at?

Some of you may already know that I'm in the process of becoming a Certified Association Executive (CAE) within the next two years. On top of my 6-year experience in association executive management, I've been taking classes at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale campus since the Fall. I took the Meeting and Exhibition Law and Ethics (Final Grade: A -- w0ot w0ot!), and now I'm taking Principles of Association Management course which will end in April. This class, in particular, requires a lot of writing multiple-page thesis on certain subjects relative to association management such as Leadership, Marketing, Program Development, Sponsorships, etc. Initially, the whole writing element was quite challenging, but since my background is partially in these fields, I have a little "cushion". And now, I actually enjoy writing them! My next thesis will be about Sponsorship Proposals, which is due at the beginning of April. :\

Recently I touched-base with the standards of the certification process, governed by the American Society of Association Executives headquartered in Washington, DC, which I proudly belong for 3 years now, and I have to say that the eligibility requirements have gotten extensive and the costs of the prerequisites such as numerous publications that you need to study before the exam (probably the cost is between $800-$1000) and the two-day immersion course (estimated cost is $1200) have increased dramatically. All of that is essential ultimately to prep you for the in-person examination in DC, which, not to mention, is a lot harder than I have been anticipating!

So, yeah! That's the deal with the whole "becoming an executive thing"! However, the idea of it, though, is great--increasing my marketability in the non-profit world--and its fundamentals are beyond elementary. Needless to say that it's going to be reasonably expensive...but, it'll pay off once I get that piece of paper! w0ot w0ot!

Sometimes I wonder how I am supposed to accomplish all of that, but I'm quite excited (and anxious!). I need to be patient--I HAVE TO BE PATIENT! Meanwhile, I will continue to focus on staying on track with my other goals--getting rid of bills, saving up to buy my condo, moving to California, and hopefully meet the special one! w0ot w0ot! Wish me luck!



d-Jae :)