CDFA Spotlight - Joan Silva, CDFA

SDA is committed to encouraging and supporting personal growth, and professional development of individuals working in the AEC Industry. One way SDA delivers on this commitment is offering the CDFA credential. Reaching CDFA status includes passing an exam that covers five core areas of the AEC Industry business: project management, marketing, finance, office administration and human resources.  SDA's Certification Committee works diligently to provide study materials and resources that will aid in preparing for the exam. However, it still takes commitment and effort on the part of each individual. To acknowledge those who have reached CDFA status, and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, the Certification Committee is pleased to spotlight these accomplished individuals.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

 

I wanted to go above and beyond what was listed on my career ladder. Getting my CDFA accomplished that!

 

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam?

 

Yes, I haven't been in school or taken an exam in many years so doubt was in the back of my mind.

 

What study tools did you find most useful?

 

I used the CDFA-yoU study guide the most. I learn best by reading repetition, so the study guide and practice tests were helpful.

 

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

 

Finance was the section I studied the most.

 

Did you have a CDFA mentor help you with the material?

 

Loretta Rodriguez in the San Antonio Chapter is AMAZING!!!! She was always an email, text, or phone call away with any questions I had.

 

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

 

Since getting my CDFA, I have been able to mentor the administrators in our other offices in hopes of encouraging them to get their certification as well.

 

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishments?

 

Pfluger Architects is very supportive. They covered all of the financial aspects for the application and testing.

 

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

 

Our HR representative sent a company-wide email, so I got a congratulations from all.

 

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

 

Don't be nervous to take the first step and apply!

CDFA Spotlight Series

SDA is committed to encouraging and supporting personal growth, and professional development of individuals working in the AEC Industry. One way SDA delivers on this commitment is offering the CDFA credential. Reaching CDFA status includes passing an exam that covers five core areas of the AEC Industry business: project management, marketing, finance, office administration and human resources.  SDA's Certification Committee works diligently to provide study materials and resources that will aid in preparing for the exam. However, it still takes commitment and effort on the part of each individual. To acknowledge those who have reached CDFA status, and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, the Certification Committee is pleased to spotlight these accomplished individuals.

Spotlight: Alysha Peck, CDFA on Overcoming Anxiety and Reaching Goals

Alysha Peck is an Administrator with the architectural firm Cuningham at their Denver, Colorado office. She has been a member of the SDA Denver Chapter for7 yearsand served as chapter secretary and director.

What motivated you to earn your CDFA certification?

I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, it has been a goal of mine since I joined SDA.  I was very motivated by all the people around me getting certified, not only for CDFA but architecturally licensed as well.

Did you have any concerns, or fears, about taking the exam?

Yes, I have always struggled with test anxiety. I have the hardest time remembering anything I have studied as soon as the test starts. I hadn't taken a test in many years, so I was very nervous about how I would handle it.

How did you address or overcome your anxiety?

I had so much support from other SDA members and coworker, I felt confident I would overcome the anxiety and do well.

What study tools did you find most useful?

I recorded myself reading and I had friends quiz me. I also spent time highlighting and truing to associate the material with my everyday job duties.

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

Human Resources - there are numerous terms to remember that I don't use daily in my role.

Did you have a CDFA mentor help you with the material?

Yes! Anne McNeely introduced me to other members that were also studying for the CDFA so we could form a study group. She gave me advice on what strategy worked best for her and encouraged me every step of the way.

Was your employer supportive of your CDFA goals and accomplishments?

Yes! They highly encourage all administrators to become certified! CDFA is recognized in yearly reviews and treats it the same as any other professional licensure or certification.

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

They celebrated my achievement by posting on LinkedIn, Facebook and our internal company website. I had co-workers reaching out to congratulate me!

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

Make sure you carve out plenty of time to study! Use all your resources! Don't expect to know everything from on-the-job experience. 

What has obtaining your CDFA meant to you?

I am so relieved to have my certification I feel as though my last 9 years as an administrator has paid off and my career path has strengthened immensely. I am more knowledgeable about the A/E industry.

CDFA Spotlight Series

SDA is committed to encouraging and supporting personal growth, and professional development of individuals working in the AEC Industry. One way SDA delivers on this commitment is offering the CDFA credential. Reaching CDFA status includes passing an exam that covers five core areas of the AEC Industry business: project management, marketing, finance, office administration and human resources.  SDA's Certification Committee works diligently to provide study materials and resources that will aid in preparing for the exam. However, it still takes commitment and effort on the part of each individual. To acknowledge those who have reached CDFA status, and to inspire others to follow in their footsteps, the Certification Committee is pleased to spotlight these accomplished individuals.

Today meet Eliza Lowe, CDFA, Associate and Facility Security Officer at Pond & Company located in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Eliza shares her perspective on the power of post nominals (those letters after your name) and how having a study partner made the difference. 

Spotlight: Eliza Lowe, CDFA on the power post nominals and study partners

Eliza decided that she wanted to earn her CDFA as a way of backing up her eleven years of industry experience. "It's nice to have letters after your name when everyone else you work with does too!". A Study Guide was passed on to Eliza from another SDA member, but she was nervous that she wouldn't pass the first time, "I told myself if that happened, I would just take it again". Project Management, which Eliza was the least versed in, and the Finance sections were the most challenging. Eliza said she learned the most about Project Management while studying for the exam and especially liked using the flashcards.

Eliza commented that having a CDFA shows her supervisors and other firm leadership that she is committed to the industry and to advancing her own education. "People ask me about it and that's a good way for me to convince them to join SDA and to get their own CDFA!". Her employer was supportive of her CDFA goals and accomplishment. The company financially supported the process and Eliza says, "My boss took me out for a glass of wine after work when I passed. It's also standard practice at my company to announce publicly when people pass certification and to give them a money bonus".  Eliza's number one tip for someone pursuing the CDFA designation is, "Study, study, study! And study WITH someone".