Return on Certification
Investment
by Kathy
Sieckman, PP, PLS, CLA - NALS Certifying Board
During the leadership training sessions in Tulsa this
past weekend, I heard the term “ROI” or “return on investment”
several times. It got me thinking about what return
on my investment in certification I have received. Before
I studied for the PLS exam and having never worked in litigation,
I didn’t know the difference between a plaintiff and a
defendant. Passing the PLS exam gave me the faith
in myself that I could learn anything, and I have been
working in the litigation field for more than 10 years
and I now know the difference between a plaintiff and a
defendant. ROI = confidence.
Over the years that I have studied for, taken, and passed
other certification exams, I have proven to my employer
that this is my career and that I am constantly learning
and becoming a better employee thereby more valuable to
my employer. This results in increased respect among
attorneys, administration, and peers. ROI = respect.
The passion for my career and respect of attorneys and
administration has resulted in bonuses and raises that
they obviously felt I was entitled to that sometimes surprised
me. ROI = money.
This brings me to my final point. Although I have
heard about the great work of the NALS Foundation and I
have even heard many of the keynote speakers provided at
NALS meetings by the NALS Foundation and even though our
chapter and state associations have received NALS Foundation
grants, it never struck me so much as during this past
weekend in Tulsa how very valuable the NALS Foundation
is to the NALS members. Every return on my investment
in certification is only possible because of NALS. NALS
offered me study materials and members who were certified
and willing to help me to become certified. In addition,
NALS now offers online study. I feel like I owe NALS
something for making me who I am today. Without NALS,
I would probably not be certified, not be as successful
nor as passionate in my career as I am, and not be as successful
as I think I am.
If
you are who you are because of NALS and particularly because
of NALS’ certifications, I challenge you to make a donation
to the NALS Foundation in honor of your certification. It
is a win/win. You share the return on your investment
in certification so the NALS Foundation can continue to provide
the services it provides to the NALS members, and as a NALS
member, you can continue to receive the benefit of those
services. What have you got to lose?
