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 Julie Anderson, CEBS
Julie Anderson, CEBS
Global Benefits Manager
Benevity
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has supported you in obtaining your designation?
“Expanding my network has provided me with great resources to learn from and lean into when I have general or specific questions that my experience hasn’t seen yet. I was at an ISCEBS conference and needed guidance on how to manage a sick leave in the middle of a parental leave. I was able to meet with some Canadian colleagues who gave me great direction.”
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exams and applied what you learned to your work?
“I did the Assigned Reading. I enjoyed attending the live sessions in the CEBS Online Study Groups With Instructor Support. I would participate in the discussion forum questions if I thought I had something to contribute.
I pored over the Audio Overviews and made notes. My favourite tool was playing the interactive games and quizzes listening to the Audio Overviews repeatedly on the Bluetooth in my car during my hour commute from work.
The Practice Exam for each course saved my life. I would do it over and over until I felt comfortable, and I passed.
I felt empowered. I used my practical experience to help me align the concepts that I was learning through the courses. My learning from the course gave me great reference material. I felt less intimidated in conversations about governance and risk management in managing the retirement products at my work. It gave me confidence to understand more and ask good questions. I have a community to reach out to for a broader perspective.”
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS demonstrates that you are a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
“Getting the first CEBS course under my belt gave me the confidence to continue.
When I got my CEBS designation, it surprised me how important it was to me. After having navigated my career with little formal HR education, accomplishing this goal made me feel worthy to sit at the table and contribute.
Connecting with this great group of benefits professionals taught me that we can learn from sharing our stories and experience and inspire each other to be excellent in our field.”
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role and professional growth?
“Since earning my CEBS designation, I had many headhunters reach out to me for new opportunities. When I decided I wanted to make a change, my designation opened doors that gave me the opportunity to be shortlisted several times. I recently started a new global benefits manager role in January.”
