As we continue our CDFA Spotlight series, we’ve been thrilled by the positive feedback and engagement from our community. Each story has highlighted the dedication and hard work it takes to achieve the Certified Design Firm Administrator designation. We’re excited to keep bringing you more of these inspiring journeys. This week, we’re featuring Elena Gutierrez, CDFA, Administrative Assistant with Langan in New York, NY. Her insights on feeling like a well-rounded Administrator are sure to inspire!

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I was motivated to earn my CDFA certification to gain new skills and knowledge in my industry as a whole and in areas I do not normally delve into in my everyday work.

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam? If so, how did you address or overcome them?

When I signed up to take the CDFA exam I knew I would be tested on all our focus areas, office administration, project management, marketing, but my fear was the finance section, which I had no knowledge of how financials are handled in our industry. I knew this would be a challenge for me, but I have come to learn with any new challenge, I have to stop the negative talk and then practice saying positive things to myself, "Elena, feeling a certain level test anxiety is normal." "Remember your past successes." I tried to put things in perspective and created a plan to manage my study time.

What study tools did you find most useful (study group, CDFA-yoU materials, flash cards, other?)

To study for my CDFA, I leaned on past CDFA-earners for advice. I asked what tools they found helpful when they studied. I tried flash cards for most of my studying but quickly found reciting questions and answers with a friend was most helpful for me.

Did you learn anything new, or surprising, while preparing for the exam?

There were several things new to me while preparing for the exam, but one thing that surprised me was the history of Gantt and Pert charts. The Gantt Chart was designed somewhere in the years 1910 to1915 and is still a commonplace project management tool used today!

What section of the exam was the most difficult for you?

Finance was the most difficult section for me. As I previously mentioned it is not something I use in my everyday work and have never been exposed to.

Did you have a CDFA mentor help you with the material? If so, tell us about that experience.

My CDFA mentors were Pat Leyden and Amy Nanni. They encouraged me by telling me to visualize myself passing the test and not allowing myself to be discouraged if I did not pass. After all, it had been years since I had taken any exam!

What role, if any, has your CDFA played in advancing your professional or personal development, growth, network or career?

Earning my CDFA has helped me gain a better understanding of my role and has helped me to become a more well-rounded Design Firm Administrator. It has taught me new and sometimes familiar vocabulary I see every day but may not have a complete understanding about them.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishment? If so, please share how they demonstrated that support.

My employer was supportive of my CDFA goal and always understood what this accomplishment meant to me.

What is your top tip to someone considering the pursuit of a CDFA designation?

Don't give up! Even if you fail, keep trying!

How did you, and your firm, celebrate your achievement?

I posted my achievement on LinkedIn. My post was well celebrated and received lots of views and acknowledgement from my peers. My firm's Principals expressed encouraging words and sent me kind messages.

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

As I mentioned earlier, CDFA means I am a well-rounded Administrator and not only in my arena, but in educating myself in more than one of our AEC focus areas. It also means I can use these tools and bring them with me to work and other areas within our industry. One of the added perks or "cherry on top" is having CDFA initials after my name! I sometimes look at it and can't help but smile. I think about all the hard work that went into earning it and feel really proud. It is also a great conversation starter and gives me the opportunity to give those who ask my talk about SDA and what CDFA means to me and my work. :)

Feeling inspired by our CDFA Spotlight features? If you're ready to elevate your career and join the ranks of Certified Design Firm Administrators, now is the perfect time to take the next step. The CDFA designation not only strengthens your skills but also positions you as a leader in our industry. Visit our certification page to learn more about the application process and how you can start your journey today!