What’s Your CEBS Story? With Marg Romanow, CEBS

Earning your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation is a learning journey.  Along the way, you acquire valuable employee benefits knowledge and relevant new skills.  As you apply what you’ve learned to your work, you can forge a unique career pathway that is truly your own.  Here’s a designee’s CEBS story.

A Chat with Marg Romanow, CEBS

Marg Romanow, CEBS
Benefits Officer
Saskatchewan Union of Nurses

How has pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrated that you are a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?

“Enrolling in the CEBS program was my first return to education following my formal education. It illustrated that I could accomplish taking classes again and writing exams. The CEBS program provided information directly related to my work and gave me additional confidence in addressing issues at work since I knew the industry standards. Completion of each module of the CEBS program gave me confidence and a sense of accomplishment in advancing my education successfully.”

Has obtaining your designation expanded your professional network?

“I took CEBS through night classes. As a result of the night classes, I have made lifelong friends and connections in the benefits industry.”

Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exam and applied what you learned to your work?

“When I took the CEBS courses, my children were younger. The CEBS program provided a project that was for me. It gave me a sense of independence from the demands of family obligations. I would schedule CEBS study time and plan my life accordingly.

The fundamental principles of benefit programs that I learned from CEBS have supported me in many discussions. The information provided by CEBS has allowed me to better understand benefit reports and ask pertinent questions about benefit plans. As a result of taking the CEBS program, I had confidence to continue on to take many additional courses and programs. I am a lifelong learner as a result of the CEBS program.”

How has earning your CEBS designation supported you in your role?

“The CEBS designation has supported my role in addressing pension and benefit issues. CEBS provided the key points of benefit plans with the rationale to understand them. It has allowed me to delve into benefit issues with more proficiency and confidence since I knew the essential components of benefit plans.”

Have questions about the CEBS designation? We can help! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email cebs@ifebp.org.