Earning your 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 Alicia Clingan, CEBS
Alicia Clingan, CEBS
Director of Account Management
ISM Insurance Inc.
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has helped you attain success?
“When I completed my CEBS designation, I got a call from my local chapter of ISCEBS, Pacific Northwest, inviting me to get involved. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I said yes—and that one yes turned out to be one of the best career decisions I’ve made.
After attending my first meeting, I was asked if I’d represent Montana on the chapter board as a member at large. From there, I began attending monthly meetings, where I met an incredible network of smart, generous ISCEBS members. Those connections led me to take on officer roles, eventually serving as chapter president for two years.
Getting involved at the chapter level opened the door to national opportunities, like attending the Chapter Volunteer Forum and serving on or chairing several ISCEBS committees. Today, I’m honored to be a member of the Governing Council—and I’m already looking forward to continuing to grow in that role.
Because of CEBS, I’ve built a community of peers I can rely on for advice, insight and encouragement. The network, the ongoing education and the confidence I’ve gained have truly shaped my career.”
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrates that you’re a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
“One thing is for sure—Earning the CEBS designation isn’t easy! It takes commitment, discipline and a lot of late nights. It took me about 2½ years to get through the program, and plenty of weekends were spent studying.
That dedication is what makes the designation so meaningful. After working so hard to earn it, I’ve made it a priority to keep learning and stay up to date through continuing education. The CEBS journey doesn’t stop once you finish the courses—It really instills a mindset of lifelong learning. That’s been key to staying sharp, relevant and confident in a constantly evolving benefits landscape.”
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exam and applied what you learned to your work?
“I took the Online Study Groups and filled notebooks with outlines, summaries and practice questions. I’d go over things again and again until they stuck. Even though I was nervous before every CEBS exam, the preparation process helped me understand benefits on a much deeper level.
The best part was how immediately useful the knowledge was. I found myself applying what I learned to real-world client situations almost right away. The CEBS designation helped bridge the gap between technical knowledge and practical application—It changed the way I think about solving client problems.”
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role and professional growth?
“Earning my CEBS designation gave me a stronger, more strategic view of employee benefits, and that quickly made a difference in my career. My colleagues and leaders began looking to me for expertise and guidance, which led to more opportunities, promotions and recognition over time.
Beyond the technical knowledge, CEBS built my confidence. It also gave me leadership opportunities through chapter involvement and national committees that strengthened my communication and management skills.
As for the network, it’s invaluable. I’ve met people through CEBS who I still collaborate with regularly. It’s amazing how often those connections come full circle—whether it’s a client, a carrier or another CEBS graduate halfway across the country or in Canada.
Earning the CEBS designation wasn’t just about the letters after my name—It was about growing into a stronger professional, leader and lifelong learner.”
