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Live And Learn
By: Sherri C. Lennarson, MAS
Issue: 2009aug

I’m a life-long learner. I feel my pulse quicken every time I enter a bookstore or a library. I could spend hours exploring the wealth of information at my fingertips. How about you?

Sure, I could read or research online but for me there’s something very special about physically experiencing a book. Perhaps it’s the elementary school teacher that resides within me. I hold a bachelor degree in elementary education from Arizona State University. Although I spent little time in the classroom beyond student teaching, I remain connected to those roots by volunteering for Junior Achievement and serving as a faculty member for PPAI’s Promotional Consultant Academy.

I have a passion for learning and feed the need by taking industry courses at every opportunity. I already have more CEUs than I’ll need to renew my Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) credentials in 2012. But did you know that less than five percent of industry practitioners hold an MAS or a CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) designation? I’m perplexed as to why those percentages aren’t higher.

MAS/CAS is an investment in you, your career and your future. MAS/CAS certification establishes your professional credibility to colleagues, clients, employers and peers. Certification is an important differentiator, particularly in today’s marketplace.
It recognizes you as an expert in your industry.

The PPAI Professional Development team recently revamped the curriculum for these prestigious designations. Candidates can now focus on courses specific to their chosen profession. For instance, sales professionals can earn the majority of the required points in sales- and marketing-related classes.

Attaining the CAS designation requires 75 points, three years of active industry experience and just six required courses (15 points). The additional 60 points are earned at the individual’s choosing and you can even earn up to a maximum of five points through industry service. Following completion of the requirements, you sit for the CAS exam which includes 150 multiple-choice questions focused on content from the six required courses.

The MAS designation requires an additional 100 points, five years of active industry experience, no required courses and at least one point for industry service. Following completion of the requirements you can demonstrate your expertise by passing a comprehensive 150-question multiple choice exam that covers a wide range of industry knowledge, develop and conduct an approved workshop, seminar or training program through a PPAI or regional event or write a paper or article on a business topic that is published in a pre-approved industry publication.

Today is a great day to get started on your MAS/CAS designation. And as Dr. Seuss says, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” I’d love to help you plan your journey, so please feel free to call or e-mail me if you’d like to discuss your lifelong learning strategy. The teacher is in!

Upcoming PPAI Professional Development Events
• North American Leadership Conference (formerly known as Presidents’ Forum) – August 23-25 at Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Chicago, Illinois. It’s not just for presidents but for top executives and up-and-coming leaders, too. Approved for 20 MAS points.

• Sales and Marketing for the New Economy: How to Generate New Business Today* – August 14 in St. Louis, Missouri; September 17 in Tampa, Florida; October 22 in Atlanta, Georgia. A great value at the member price of $149 and approved for six MAS/CAS points.

• Principles of Award-Winning Customer Service – September 24 in Irvine, California; October 8 in Chicago, Illinois; October 15 in Portland, Oregon. An incredible value at $99 for PPAI and Regional Affiliate members who register before September 17. Approved for six MAS/CAS points.

• Promotional Consultant Academy and Learning Lab – October 4-6 in Los Angeles, California. A priceless experience at the member price of $349.00 and approved for 25 MAS/CAS points.

• PPAI Webinars as well as On-Line, On-Demand Courses are also available. Go to http://www.ppa.org and click on the Professional Development tab for more information.

• Check with your regional association for other offerings in your local area.

* New session

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