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I’ve been with Oates Associates since 2008 as a one-person marketing department.  I collaborate with everyone at all levels – welcoming new employees, working with project managers on proposals and defining market pursuits with leadership. Being a SMPS member has really helped me overcome being a department of one.  I’ve developed some really great friendships and reach out to my peers for help on any topic.  I joined SMPS in 2006 and served on the programs and membership committees and have held various board positions, including president-elect, currently.

What led you to want to get your CPSM certification? How has this certification benefitted you?

SMPS offers such great monthly programming, but the CPSM felt like the next step to really broaden my knowledge on such specific content that is relevant to me.  Plus, there was something crazily intriguing to me that a test for marketing professionals has a 60% pass rate while the PE exam has a 79% pass rate.  By earning the certification, I have learned about processes and such that help me in my role at Oates Associates, like different ways to tackle budgeting, strategic planning, market research, etc.  I also met some pretty awesome people through a bootcamp and a St. Louis study group.

If someone were considering pursuing their CPSM but just unsure, what would you tell them about the studying, the process and the test?

Studying requires a commitment and the test will make you want to throw the computer out the window.  The test can be frustrating, but don’t feel discouraged!  I flagged probably two-thirds of my test, clicked submit with a minute to spare and then walked out of the testing center feeling like a failure.  I received the news a few days later that I did indeed passed. 

I joined an online bootcamp, met separately with study partners and spent some uninterrupted time at the library - and that really helped keep me focused and determined.  Courtney Kinamore, CPSM, Nora Breshnahan, CPSM and I pulled together a list of study tips and resources to help those on anyone's CPSM journey.  It’s our goal to help as many people as possible pass the test! 

Why is membership in SMPS important to you and how has it helped you over the years?

SMPS has helped me thrive through connections and friendships.  SMPS really took off for me when I got involved at a committee level – and then even more so when I joined the board.  You bond with your people.  People who know about the hustle and grind and the highs and the lows of being in AEC marketing.  They are your sounding board, listening ear and helpful resource.

How long have you been in the AEC industry? How did you decide to have a career in this industry?

I fell into the industry, which I hear isn’t too uncommon.  I began an internship at an architecture firm my senior year of college, which turned into a full-time position when I graduated in 2006.  The AEC industry is a tight-knit community with such fun and authentic people.

What your favorite part of your role? Least favorite part?

My favorite part of my role at Oates Associates is the diversity in what I do.  I don’t do the same thing day after day – and that keeps it interesting for me.  But there will always be proposals – and those can become monotonous afterwhile.

What are five things on your bucket list?

While I may not really have a bucket list, I have always told myself that my family and I will travel more and one day I’d love to purchase a beach house.