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".

Yesterday we completed Day #5 of EDConnect21 and there were plenty of nuggets of learning from our presenters!

Jack Smith  spent time talking about "Cybersecurity and the Role You Play." We learned some new terms including 'doomscrolling/doomsurfing' and 'Zoom laryngitis.' We could certainly all relate! He talked to us about how remote work is inherently more dangerous and provided some tips to consider when working outside the office.

In the afternoon session, Brad Wilson presented "Business Improvement Strategies for Success Transitions." Among his tips and insights were that we need to be future ready, that people/soft skills are critical for transition success and that we should understand that it takes about 10 years for transition, so we should be planning accordingly.

What did you get from Day #5? Share in the comment box below what you found useful and/or what you plan to implement in your office.

It's Welcome Wednesday!Let's give a shoutout to our newest SDA members including:

Joanna Billy with HLD Lighting Design, Wesley Chapel, FL; Tammy Gregory, Alliance Engineering, Newport News, VA; Liza Gregory Bass, BAR Architects, San Francisco, CA; Robin Machande, Alliance Engineering, Elkridge, MD; Thomas Morrissey, Morrissey Associates, Santa Ana, CA; and Molly Stewart, Vansant & Gusler, Norfolk, VA.

Share in the comment box below your greetings and why you know they made a great choice to become members of SDA!