Posted on November 1, 2021
What’s Your CEBS Story? George Morin, 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 George Morin, CEBS
George Morin, CEBS, AICB, PFP
Relationship Manager
RBC Royal Bank
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrates that you are a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
“When I introduce myself as a CEBS designation holder, I have instant credibility as an employee benefits expert. This has opened the door to new business opportunities and has plan sponsors more readily accepting my recommendations for member financial advice presentations and individual financial counselling sessions in the workplace for the betterment of the members and overall plan health. The CEBS designation in my email signature line is recognized by many of the plan sponsors I support and has resulted in those sponsors reaching out to me for support with areas of their employee benefits that are delivered by other providers, allowing me to enhance my relationship with them and earn additional business. This instant credibility and seeking me out for support confirm to me the power of the designation, four letters that are so powerful within the employee benefits industry.”
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exams and applied what you learned to your work?
“I found preparing for my CEBS exams supported my daily advice to plan sponsors and made my meetings with sponsors more impactful. I incorporated the Study Materials into my strategy of advice for plan sponsors and built my sponsor meeting agendas around the opportunities I had uncovered, utilizing the CEBS key learning to reinforce my advice. This experiential learning of integrating the Study Materials into my daily activities with plan sponsors allowed me to connect the theories and knowledge covered in the modules to real-world situations. This enabled me to retain the knowledge for the exams and made me a better advisor at the same time. Honestly, it did not feel like I was studying because I was actually working.”
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role?
“Achieving the CEBS designation in April 2018 has already had a significant impact on my career, differentiating me as a top performer amongst my peers and strongly contributing to a 2019 performance recognition where I attended a nine-day Caribbean cruise with the Group Executive of the corporation I work for, which included stops in Nassau, Bahamas; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Labadee, Haiti. I am thankful that the skills, knowledge and advice capabilities acquired by earning the CEBS designation gave me the tools needed to earn a top-performer award.
“It is also the designation that will benefit me for the rest of my career. When a position became available on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, with the opportunity to live in any community, I jumped at the chance to apply. Roles like mine do not become available very often in my corporation. They are career destination roles, and incumbents typically hold them until retirement. My CEBS designation helped differentiate me from other applicants for the Vancouver Island position, and I now get to live on an island in the resort community of Lake Cowichan.”
Updated on November 1, 2021
What’s Your CEBS Story? Jennifer Boyd, 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 Jennifer Boyd, CEBS
Jennifer Boyd, CEBS
Benefits Manager
Simpson Housing LLLP
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS demonstrates that you are a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
“By pursuing the CEBS designation, I knew that I wanted to learn and grow in my career in benefits. I wanted to gain more knowledge and responsibilities. The benefits industry is constantly changing and requires one to keep up to date on regulations, laws, insurance changes, new benefit offerings and more. The CEBS designation has helped me to stay current on all these changes and when I’m unsure of how to handle something, I have a huge network of benefit professionals to reach out to as well. I have resources beyond my imagination, and I am constantly attending webinars, conferences and taking additional courses to keep my knowledge fresh and current. I would not be in the career I am today or have the expertise I do without my CEBS designation. I will continue to build on that knowledge and education every chance I get to!”
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has helped you attain success?
“I started attending ISCEBS Chapter meetings to meet more individuals in my career path. I am a benefits department of one and needed additional support and connections to grow in my career. Meetings led to professional relationships, becoming an ISCEBS Chapter member and more. I wanted to get more involved and was encouraged and supported to obtain my CEBS designation and to volunteer for committees and board member positions. All of this has helped my career, my professional relationships and my desire to keep learning grow.”
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exam and applied what you learned to your work?
“I started my CEBS journey in 2008 and didn’t earn my designation until 2015. I want to encourage others to keep working on your designation and not give up; the feeling you get when you pass your last exam and can put those 4 letters behind your name is so rewarding! You won’t regret it!
CEBS courses are challenging and full of information. I knew self-study would be the right method for me due to my family and work schedule, but it requires a lot of self-discipline and dedication.
I set aside time each day to study, plugged in my headphones and cranked on the classical music to tune out the world. I found that studying in the morning before I started my day was better for me. I always scheduled my exams for the morning, which is when I felt alert. It didn’t hurt that I would treat myself to a yummy breakfast beforehand. I found that no studying the night before, a good night’s sleep, comfy clothes for taking the exam and a mental pep talk helped me. The best thing I had while prepping for these exams was my support system, my family and friends who encouraged me and jumped in to help with anything I needed so I could focus on studying.”
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role?
“In 2007, I embarked on a career in employee benefits, starting at the bottom and knowing very little. It didn’t take me long to realize that I would need additional resources, support and education to help me learn and grow in my career. I quickly found out about CEBS designation and dove into courses. As I became more confident in my role, I was promoted and given additional responsibilities. I worked up to a manager role. I couldn’t have achieved this without my CEBS designation!”
Updated on October 19, 2021
Congratulations to the Newest CEBS® Graduates!
Do you recognize anyone? Below are the most recent CEBS graduates. Be sure to celebrate your peers with a personal note or shout out on social media, tagging #CEBSgoals. Earning the CEBS is a major career and personal achievement, and having peers recognize the work and demonstrated knowledge only sweetens the accomplishment.
Congrats to the newest CEBS grads!
Ashley Maidens, CEBS
Benjamin Wagler, CEBS
Eric Sang, CEBS
Heather Ross, CEBS
Janessa Cegelski, CEBS
Jessica MacDonald, CEBS
Johnny Ma, CEBS
Melissa Mesenbrink, CEBS
Michael Bonomo, CEBS
Min (Alice) Cao, CEBS
Nicola Aicken, CEBS
Nina Marcinkow, CEBS
Patrick Renaud, CEBS
Robert W. Bowness, CEBS
Now picture yourself on this list! Continue on your journey to earning your CEBS designation.
Do you need guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or you’re getting close to reaching your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (844) 809-2698 or email [email protected].
Updated on October 20, 2021
Congratulations to the Newest CEBS® Graduates!
Do you recognize anyone? Below are the most recent CEBS graduates. Be sure to celebrate your peers with a personal note or shout-out on social media, tagging #CEBSgoals. Earning the CEBS is a major career and personal achievement, and having peers recognize the work and demonstrated knowledge only sweetens the accomplishment.
Congrats to the newest CEBS grads!
Aaron Iverson, CEBS
Aimee Davis, CEBS
Akilah Love, CEBS
Alana Ford, CEBS
Alex Vachon, CEBS
Alexandra O’Neill, CEBS
Allison Norris, CEBS
Alyssa Yingling, CEBS
Ami Cindric, CEBS
Andrew Palomino, CEBS
Anirudha Joshi, CEBS
Avi Goldstein, CEBS
Bonnie Osborn, CEBS
Brock Sigler, CEBS
Brooke Saunders, CEBS
Carolyn A. Jacobazzi, CEBS
Carrie Quirarte, CEBS
Casey Kraus, CEBS
Catherine Gooding, CEBS
Cheryl A. Powell, CEBS
Christine Hotwagner, CEBS
Claudia Lung, CEBS
Connor Johnson, CEBS
Darrecia D. Blount, CEBS
Edward Reagan, CEBS
Gisela McKenzie, CEBS
James Burgess, CEBS
Jane Linden, CEBS
Jennifer A. Chalupa, CEBS
Jennifer Spock, CEBS
Jennifer Stegemann, CEBS
Julie M. Raff, CEBS
Kari Michelle DiMauro, CEBS
Kelsey A. Woods, CEBS
Kelsey R. Johnson, CEBS
Kevin F. McGrath, CEBS
Kimberlee Carlson, CEBS
Louis N. Reaves, CEBS
Luke M. Bartak, CEBS
Mackenzie Olson, CEBS
Madison Evans, CEBS
Megan Nail, CEBS
Megan Williams, CEBS
Michael Ribaudo, CEBS
Monique Boatfield, CEBS
Nancy Solheim, CEBS
Nicole Mills, CEBS
Patti Krober, CEBS
Patty Gordon, CEBS
Rebekah L. Ross, CEBS
Rhonda M. Jackson, CEBS
Sarah C. Simpson, CEBS
Shannon Moloney, CEBS
Sung “Matthew” Kim, CEBS
Susanne Kimberland, CEBS
Suzanne Meredith, CEBS
Teresa Domek, CEBS
Theresa S. Serafimovski, CEBS
Tiffany Reese, CEBS
Troy Sage Thomas, CEBS
Yanique Sewell, CEBS
Now picture yourself on this list! Continue on your journey to earning your CEBS designation.
Do you need guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or you’re getting close to reaching your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email [email protected].
Updated on August 23, 2021
Meet Your CEBS Instructor: Mark Dunlop, CEBS
Learning with others helps you gain a new perspective. Would you like to gain insights from benefits industry peers in different industries, sectors and provinces as well as from an expert instructor? Many CEBS® candidates rely on CEBS Online Study Groups With Instructor Support for extra help on their learning journeys.
CEBS Online Study Groups are an optional educational resource designed to complement the self-study approach. Offered over a 12-week session, Online Study Groups set a schedule for your study efforts and are facilitated by established and experienced CEBS professionals.
What does an online instructor do?
Your online instructor has many roles, including:
- Designing all content and activities in your class to help you retain knowledge and study for your CEBS exam
- Facilitating live review sessions
- Monitoring the discussion forum to provide clarification and guidance to learners
- Creating discussion questions for each module and Benefits in Action Mini Case to stimulate engagement and enhance learning about employee benefits
- Sharing their real-world experience about being a benefits professional
- Answering questions that students submit via the discussion forum, email and private message.
A Chat with Mark Dunlop, CEBS
Mark Dunlop, CEBS, AEP, AFC, CFP, ChFC, CLU, FLMI, REBC, RHU
Principal, Designed Benefit Incentives
GBA 2—Directing Benefits Programs Part 2
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
The CEBS program not only provided me the tools to strategically apply information and industry knowledge, but it also helped me to professionally look at issues from various perspectives, including those faced by decision leadership teams at various sizes of unions and public, corporate and nonprofit employers. It also helped to see issues from the perspectives of third-party administrators, employer or union plan administrators, board members, brokers, consultants and participants, which enabled me to easily empathize with many of the personnel involved in plan design.
What will benefits professionals learn from the GBA 2 course?
GBA 2 places a particular emphasis on managing and directing employee benefit plans while clarifying the ever-changing dynamics of the United States health care system. The course provides tools and sample case studies to help benefits professionals advance organizational objectives by enhancing benefits program design, pricing and operations. The Study Materials also consider emerging marketplace innovations in care delivery platforms and quality improvement initiatives, addressing not only opportunities and challenges in the health care arena but also in the full benefits arena, including disability, long-term care and life insurance. The course explores many considerations for plan design including how to address the changing dynamics of the U.S. health care system, rating and premium settings, and considerations for controlling risk factors. It also addresses considerations for self-funding versus being fully insured, utilizing a “private exchange” as well as capitalizing on the enhanced delivery landscape including the patient-centered medical home.
What has been a recent industry trend related to concepts your course explores?
As designing health care programs for 2022 is already underway, one can see that many concepts in GBA 2 are already being applied, especially as employers and unions are focused on safeguarding employee’s data and health. There is a renewed focus on tech-driven innovations, including health apps that offer improved safety measures and early-warning systems to reduce illnesses, mitigate issues to prevent them from becoming chronic or acute, and minimize the likelihood of contagious illnesses spreading. There’s definitely a movement toward virtual care for medical health care, including behavioral health care, as well as nonintrusive monitoring devices such as diabetic readings, sleep duty remote readings and even heart sensors.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Years ago, Dr. Jerry Rosenbloom, an author of many CEBS program textbooks, shared some valuable wisdom with me at an instructor conference that he was facilitating in Philadelphia. I still remember a lesson he taught other instructors about adult education. He said that instructors should recognize that adult learners approach education differently than younger students do, partly because they can bring real-world experiences into perspective, which often enriches lessons and the whole learning approach. This is one of the advantages adult learners have. There’s an option to register for an Online Study Group, which encourages interaction with other benefits professionals, which helps reinforce learning. Being part of a community of learners can also reduce anxiety when folks realize they are not alone in preparing for their CEBS exams
Can you think of any CEBS success stories you would like to share?
For me, one of the nicest things about the CEBS program is the networking opportunities it offers between peer candidates, graduates and others affiliated with the program. I still remain in contact with peers I met years ago, and the network continues to help me grow in the field. I am a huge advocate for candidates and graduates to get involved in the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists, even while still studying for CEBS exams, for interaction with this peer group is quite uplifting. The peer networking with my CEBS “family” has been, and continues to be, a huge blessing for me in my career. I still remember the comfort when I moved to St. Louis, Missouri from Miami years ago and the feeling of already having a ready-made network of professionals to network with, which helped me with my geographic transition. Likewise, on several occasions when I was looking into options for a solution, I was able to tap into the CEBS peer network I’ve developed for their considerations, which helped me with the projects I was asked to research.
Learn more about CEBS and the CEBS Online Study Groups With Instructor Support.
Do you need guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or you’re getting close to reaching your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or e-mail [email protected].
Posted on August 11, 2021
CEBS: It’s an Amazing Day to Start!
Sometimes the hardest part of something new is just getting started. You’ve given it a lot of thought, and you’ve done your research—How do you know when the time is right to dive in? If you’re waiting for a sign, here it is: Consider the fact that you’re reading this blog a sign that the time is right to start earning your CEBS.
Here are a few pointers for taking your next step toward your brighter future:
1. GBA or RPA to start?
GBA or RPA to start? When getting started in the program, you’ll need to decide whether you want to begin with the Group Benefits courses or the Retirement Plans courses. Think about your previous experiences—Which area are you most familiar with? Lead with what you know, and you’ll be off to a good start. If you are brand new to the industry, I’d suggest starting with the Group Benefits courses: You’ll be in good company with over 75% of new registrants.
2. Give some thought to how you’d prefer to learn the material for your first course.
With the Study Guide and textbook, you’ll be ready jump right in with the self-study approach. Thinking you’d like added structure and support from an instructor? Consider enrolling in an Online Study Group With Instructor Support. These groups do not meet at a set date and time—Instead, you are able to log in anytime during the 12-week session to access the instructor’s notes, review and participate in the discussion boards, test your knowledge with the additional quizzes offered and more. These groups are optional—They have an additional charge and can be joined at any time throughout the 12-week sessions that are offered three times per year.
3. Plan ahead so you set a goal for taking your course exam.
One of the best ways to plan is to keep in mind that you will need about 14-15 weeks of study-and-review time per course from the time you start your study to the time you are ready to take the exam. This allows you to cover approximately one module of study materials per week with about 3-4 weeks for final review. You’ve selected the course you are starting with, and you’ve planned to move ahead with self-study or an Online Study
4. Now’s the time to submit your order and be proud of your commitment.
Either enroll online at www.cebs.org or submit the fillable PDF order form available on the website. Order your course materials (Study Guide and textbook), add the Online Study Group With Instructor Support if this sounds like a good fit for you and then select the testing quarter/window for taking your virtual exam. Submit the order, and our team will get started right away to get you all set up and send out your materials.
5. Remember to lean on your peers, fellow students and our team for support.
We’re here rooting for you as you work through each of the five courses to earn your CEBS designation. Send me an email with your questions at [email protected], call our Customer Service team at (800) 449-2327, option 3, to talk about your next step, or get to know us better by joining us on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll meet you where it works best to support you, and we’ll be there clapping for you when you celebrate earning your designation!
Just remember that getting started is a huge first step. Give yourself a pat on the back for wanting to rise to the top with your designation and know that there is no time like the present to get started. CEBS —It’s in your future, and I know you’re ready to begin today.
Rachel Oliver, CEBS
Manager, CEBS Program Development at the International Foundation
Posted on July 20, 2021
Congratulations to the Newest CEBS® Graduates!
View the list of new CEBS graduates and see if you recognize any of your colleagues. Be sure to congratulate the graduates you know with a personal message or shout-out on social media using #CEBSGoals. Earning your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation is a great accomplishment, and it feels even better when it’s recognized by others.
Congrats to the newest CEBS grads!
Mijaane Arunthavanathan, CEBS
Hannah Askin, CEBS
Nicole Brennan, CEBS
Faye Cao, CEBS
Kristyn Cieszynski, CEBS
Janice Clarke-Sinclair, CEBS
Heather Crosgrey, CEBS
Eleonora Di Giovanni-Porco, CEBS
Kyla Frailick, CEBS
Andrew Haber, CEBS
Brett Horan, CEBS
Anne Johnson, CEBS
Jennifer Jolicoeur, CEBS
Sleiman Karam, CEBS
Huma Khan, CEBS
Keech Libunao, CEBS
Simona Lica, CEBS
Laura Lucyk, CEBS
Erin McKendry, CEBS
Peri Owst, CEBS
Suhujitha Parasuraman, CEBS
Dana Parkinson, CEBS
Harrison Patton, CEBS
Nicole Pinto, CEBS
Kuburat Afolashade Popoola, CEBS
Charlene Ann Prosser, CEBS
Kevin Reid, CEBS
Yuan Ren, CEBS
Jessica Rybka, CEBS
Andrea Shandro, CEBS
Rajdeep Kaur Sidhu, CEBS
Sandra Sitter, CEBS
Geffrard St Germain, CEBS
Marisa Tobin, CEBS
Brian Wemp, CEBS
April Zerebeski, CEBS
Jiahong Zhang, CEBS
Now picture yourself on this list! Continue on your journey to earning your CEBS designation.
Do you need guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or you’re getting close to reaching your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (844) 809-2698 or email [email protected].
Posted on July 20, 2021
Congratulations to the Newest CEBS® Graduates!
View the list of new CEBS graduates and see if you recognize any of your colleagues. Be sure to congratulate the graduates you know with a personal message or shout-out on social media using #CEBSGoals. Earning your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation is a great accomplishment, and it feels even better when it’s recognized by others.
Congrats to the newest CEBS grads!
Jay Alvaran, CEBS
Paula Marie O. Barnett, CEBS
Deborah M. Blaha, CEBS
Kevin L. Burton, CEBS
Brian Cellone, CEBS
Michelle Cerbone, CEBS
Mitchell Clayton, CEBS
Deanne Click, CEBS
Matt Clough, CEBS
Maegan Cochran, CEBS
Erin Combs, CEBS
Karyn Crosbie, CEBS
Lauren N. Culp, CEBS
Kristin L. Daigle, CEBS
Alissa Ellis, CEBS
Christina Fath, CEBS
Evan Gady, CEBS
Susan Gallop, CEBS
Joanie Garvey, CEBS
Dena Kaye George, CEBS
Grace Giannattasio, CEBS
Andrea Gibbs, CEBS
Lori Glenn, CEBS
Erin Gordon, CEBS
Matthew Grissom, CEBS
John F. Hansbrough, CEBS
Montina Hardesty, CEBS
Sarah Harwood, CEBS
Anne M. Henderson, CEBS
Sarah Humphreys, CEBS
Natalie Huso, CEBS
Christian Ippolito, CEBS
Julie Irey, CEBS
James Jackson, CEBS
Linda King, CEBS
Melissa Kubiak, CEBS
Shari Lee, CEBS
Carlton W. Lenoir, Sr., CEBS
Denise O. Matthews-Serra, CEBS
Kyle McNamara, CEBS
Tim Mercer, CEBS
Jeffrey Narkiewicz, CEBS
Maria Nashalman, CEBS
Christopher T. Nguyen, CEBS
Garrett Noonan, CEBS
Lisa O’Reilly, CEBS
Christina A. Orr, CEBS
Sindy A. Payne, CEBS
Robert L. Powers III, CEBS
Lindsey Reedy, CEBS
Laura Renshaw, CEBS
Jordan Riewoldt, CEBS
Kathryn Rowley, CEBS
Michael Sacco, CEBS
Kasey Segiel Busch, CEBS
Bethani Sidla, CEBS
Brian Evan Smith, CEBS
John Snead, CEBS
Paul Stoehr, CEBS
Aidyn Urena, CEBS
Christine Vistine, CEBS
Lori A. Wenino, CEBS
Renee McCreary Westrich, CEBS
John Withee, CEBS
Now picture yourself on this list! Continue on your journey to earning your CEBS designation.
Do you need guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or you’re getting close to reaching your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email [email protected].
Posted on July 6, 2021
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers.
I’m learning every day. And every day I’m also realizing that I have more questions to be answered. I think this holds true in all different aspects of life—professional development included. What’s the best next step for my career? Do I have the time between my job and family to work toward another goal? Then there are the questions that I don’t even realize I have until someone else brings them up—Why didn’t I think of that, too?
I know that if you are considering getting started earning your CEBS designation, if you’re part of the way through your journey or if you’ve put it on the back burner for a while and are thinking of getting started again, you’ve got some questions. How do I get started? Which course is the next one I should enroll in? I didn’t pass an exam previously—How should I proceed? You’re not alone. There are many others who have questions and look to our team for the answers.
Here’s a sampling of a few questions that seem to be popular:
I’m ready to enroll in the program, but I’m just not sure which course to take first.
Great news that you’re ready to begin. The vast majority of students start with either the GBA 1 or RPA 1 course. If your background or interest is mainly in group benefits, it’s probably best to enroll in GBA 1 as your first course. If retirement plans are your focus, RPA 1 would be a good course to start with for the program. Each of these courses will provide a solid foundation for you to build upon with the remaining courses that make up the five-course CEBS curriculum.
I’m not sure if I am going to be able to learn the materials on my own—Is there another option to the self-study approach?
Each of us learns differently, and sometimes it helps to have the structure and support of an Online Study Group with Instructor Support as you work through a CEBS course. While not required, these groups are an option available to students and are offered as 12-week sessions three times per year. Led by experienced CEBS graduates, the groups do not meet at a specific day or time but, rather, are open throughout the 12 weeks for you to log in and join the discussion board, take sample quizzes, download instructor notes, benefit from two live review sessions and more.
I took a couple of CEBS courses a few years ago but wasn’t able to complete the designation. I’d like to start back up where I left off. What should I do?
The best thing to do in this case is to reach out to our team for help. We’ll take a look at your previously completed courses and let you know which courses you need to complete to finish earning the designation. With the five-course curriculum, you may be closer to completion than you realize!
Learn More: Your Complete Guide to Earning the CEBS Designation
I’ve only covered a few questions here. Join our team for an upcoming webinar, Your Complete Guide to Earning the CEBS Designation, to learn more and have the opportunity to ask your questions and learn from the questions of others.
In Canada? The next CEBS webinar is being held on July 20 at 12:00 p.m. CT. Click here to register to attend. I look forward to “meeting” you then!
In the U.S? The next CEBS webinar is being held on July 27 at 1:30 p.m. CT. Click here to register to attend. I look forward to “meeting” you then!
If you have more questions about CEBS or are ready to sign up for your exam, reach out to our Certified Employee Benefits Specialist customer service team at [email protected].
Rachel Oliver, CEBS
Manager, CEBS Program Development at the International Foundation
Updated on October 22, 2021
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 [email protected].