So, I’ve been working in association publications and communications for three years, and before that I was in university communications for four years. I really want to get my CAE designation, but I’m pretty sure I’m not eligible yet–and won’t be til I’m almost 40. I’m in the middle of applying for my MPA in nonprofit and association management from George Mason, which is another “before-40″ goal of mine.
Yet I see people younger than me who have the credential, and clearly, I’m sensitive about the under-35-to-watch moniker because, well, I was born in 1970 and kinda missed being the under-35 anything by virtue of graduating college, finally, in 2004. (Whether or not I’m someone to watch is moot. I was a lot cuter when I was under 35, though.)
The CAE isn’t my goal as much as the MPA is, but it seems like picking up the association management certificate, being only 6 additional credits after the nonprofit track, is a good idea. I mean, when you look at the organizations I do work for—churches, associations, and higher-ed institutions—they all have related focuses and I find the strategies that work for one can often be applied across all three.
But I wish I could get the CAE first somehow, even though I’ll hit 5 years in association staff around the same time I actually finish the MPA.
Thoughts? Is the credential worth fretting over?
January 16, 2008 at 11:52 pm
You talk like you’re already dead! I was born in 70 also and I feel like I’m still getting started.
The CAE is not worth fretting about. Get your MPA degree taken care of and worry about the CAE later on if you still want it.
A graduate degree will open some doors for you. A CAE gets you some additional mail from ASAE.
Before I am jumped upon: the CAE is worth doing to learn areas of association management you haven’t worked in before but having it won’t enhance your career in any detectable way, in my experience.
January 17, 2008 at 2:05 am
I wouldn’t fret over it, but why not go for it when the time is right for you? I’d be curious to hear if there is any overlap between the MPA and your eventual studies for the CAE.
January 17, 2008 at 2:39 am
David – That’s what boggles me about the requirements for the designation: that staff members must have five years experience or CEOs must have three years experience as CEOs before they can even apply for the exam, as I understand the requirements. Since I’m making a transition to organizational communications and strategic planning from journalism and web content management, I’m quite sure the education component will be worthwhile.
But when I saw that I could get a graduate degree in the field it was a no-brainer. Perhaps I’ll see if I can get the CAE along the way–and see what overlap there is, indeed, Ben.
David, your post reminds me of something important for all associations to bear in mind. Professionals don’t need associations to find other colleagues worth networking anymore if they are involved and interacting in the blogosphere and SMS platforms. Associations that recognize that and find ways of incorporating these elements into their traditional structures are more likely to thrive, IMHO, where others fail.
January 17, 2008 at 9:59 pm
All I can say is that I have been up for three association management positions where I held the CAE and the other guy didn’t — and I got the nod from the hiring committee every time. The CAE is quietly becoming the “gold standard” in association management, and those who choose a long career in the association profession ignore earning their CAE at their own peril.