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 Avin Rebello, CEBS
Avin Rebello, CEBS
Customer Success Representative
benefitsConnect Canada
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has helped you attain success?
“Expanding my professional network was instrumental in achieving my CEBS designation and shaping my early success at Canada Life. Attending ISCEBS local chapter events and engaging with peers in CEBS Online Study Groups introduced me to a network of seasoned professionals who have walked this path before.
Their insights helped demystify the certification process and provided me with practical study strategies and real-world applications of the course content. This network kept me motivated and reminded me that professional development doesn’t happen in isolation—It’s driven by shared learning and collaboration.”
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS demonstrates that you are a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
“Pursuing the CEBS designation reinforced my identity as a lifelong learner and deepened my expertise in the employee benefits field. The program demands a strong commitment to continuous learning, covering everything from plan design and funding to regulatory frameworks and emerging industry trends.
In an industry that is constantly evolving, CEBS has given me a solid foundation while keeping me intellectually curious. It demonstrates to both clients and colleagues that I’m dedicated to staying ahead of the curve and delivering informed, thoughtful guidance every step of the way.”
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exams and applied what you learned to your work?
“During my preparation for the GBA designation, I was working on a challenging client renewal. As I studied concepts like cost-sharing models, flexible benefits and plan sustainability, I was able to directly apply what I learned to the renewal strategy.
I proposed a new cost-containment approach that aligned with the client’s goals and addressed their concerns around rising premiums. That moment showed me just how actionable CEBS knowledge is—Far from being just academic, it’s a practical toolkit I use every day to add value and make confident, well-informed decisions.”
How has earning your CEBS designation helped you advance in your career?
“Earning the CEBS designation has helped me stand out as a credible and capable benefits professional in a competitive field. It gave me the confidence and recognition to take on more strategic responsibilities, work directly with clients on high-impact projects and contribute to business growth from an informed perspective.
It also positioned me for future advancement opportunities. Being seen as a trusted resource internally led to new leadership responsibilities and greater visibility within my team. The CEBS designation didn’t just enhance my knowledge; it elevated my career trajectory.”
