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 Kari Luehmann, CEBS

Could you describe how expanding your professional network has helped you attain success?

“Attaining the CEBS designation has helped expand my network not only locally, but also nationally and internationally. In addition to the people that I’ve met and connected with at ISCEBS local events, I’ve also connected with benefits professionals through the discussion forum in the CEBS Online Study Groups With Instructor Support.”

Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrates that you’re a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?

“Benefits are constantly changing. The CEBS designation has given me a strong foundation to build upon, while also continuing to give me the education and awareness I need to stay on top of the changes.”

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

“I did self-study and blocked off time every week as I would for other meetings or appointments. As I went through the modules, I would share what I was learning with my boss and other colleagues to help us all understand the ‘why’ behind what we were doing.” 

Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role and professional growth?

“I wasn’t looking for a new role when I earned my CEBS designation, but once I added the CEBS designation to my LinkedIn profile, I definitely noticed an uptick in recruiters reaching out to me. Once it was time to move on, my CEBS designation helped open doors to many new opportunities, and those companies trusted that I was prepared and knew my stuff. I was a benefits specialist when I started my CEBS journey, a benefits manager by the end of it, and now I’m working as a total rewards manager.”

Visit CEBS online for information about purchasing course materials, signing up for an Online Study Group, virtual exams and more details on the program. Do you need further guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to earning your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email [email protected].