How Accreditation Has Helped...

Julie Bjorkman, PhD, ABC, APR
Director, Employee Experience
Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America
Past President, IABC/Chicago
Past Board Member, IABC’s Executive Board

Why I joined IABC: I joined IABC in 1992 in Cleveland when I replaced someone in a non-profit organization. My IABC network helped me when I relocated to Chicago 10 years ago, and also when I was laid off (more than once in my career).

Why I became an ABC: Pursuing accreditation cemented my passion for what I do and why it's important to be constantly learning, growing and developing myself.

Recent accomplishment: I finished my PhD in May 2007 and am taking some long-awaited time off to explore the next chapter in my life in organization development and change communications.

Kris Gallagher, ABC
Internal Consultant, Marketing Communications
DePaul University

Why join IABC? My talent is in writing and copyediting – first for employee publications and now for student recruitment, alumni and external audiences. Unlike other, more narrowly cast organizations, IABC covers the gamut of organizational communications across both industries and nations. And IABC keeps me current.

Why I pursued accreditation: I wanted to prove my professionalism after learning marketing communications and PR on the job – and I earned a Gold Quill, which counted as half of my accreditation portfolio requirement.

ABC benefits: Instant respect from doctors, lawyers, CPAs and other professionals who have to sit for boards and know the rigor and level of expertise required to be accredited.

David Grossman, ABC, APR
President and Principal thoughtpartner™
dg&a

Why join IABC: Business communicators face so many of the same challenges. It’s great to be able to interact regularly with others who offer insights and advice that I can apply to my clients and my own business.

Why I pursued accreditation: It was a personal decision to help me develop my skills even further.

When I’m not at work, I: Teach the only graduate-level course in internal communications in the U.S. at Columbia University in New York City.

Mary Hills, ABC
Marketing & Communications Graduate Faculty and Consultant
Keller Graduate School of Management

Why IABC? As I’ve developed relationships through IABC, going to a meeting is like coming home.

Marcomm resources: The American Marketing Association provides great marketing research which I need to stay current on process, and IABC tends to cover more of the day-to-day business relationship issues. Especially in the relationship-driven marketing of services, my challenge is to make sure our organization understands and provides great service – and in marketing intangibles/services, it’s all about the relationship.

Thoughts on accreditation: My ABC didn’t make the difference in landing a job or a pay increase – but the ABC and my academic credentials in marketing, finance and management have been increasingly well-received and distinguished me over the past few years.

When I’m not at work, I: teach graduate school.

Tom Keefe, ABC
Enterprise Communications Manager
VW Credit Inc.

Why IABC? It’s global and offers a mix of communication disciplines. I didn’t want to join an association that focused on only one narrow area – my career certainly hasn’t.

Why accreditation? It shows employers tangible proof of my desire to pursue excellence and continue learning.

Why become a “guest barista” on the IABC Café? Both personal interest and professional preparation. I believe that blogging and podcasts will become common at companies over the next few years.

Visit the IABC Café.

Joanne Kitsos, ABC
Senior Consultant, Strategic Communications
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Joined IABC: As an editorial assistant more than 25 years ago.

Why I pursued accreditation: I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.

Accreditation group study: The accreditation process was a wonderful learning/reinforcing experience. I probably wouldn’t have pursued accreditation without the chapter’s assistance.

ABC benefits: I immediately was able to apply skills I learned during the accreditation process to my job. I’m now counseling my internal clients about the value of communication strategy, planning and measurement.

Madeleine Miller-Holodnicki, ABC
Manager of Communications
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)

Why I joined IABC: I joined IABC to become a part of a global network of communications professionals. I wanted to expand the horizons of my career beyond the walls of my own office and my company. The prospect of learning about all aspects of the communications field was important to me.

Why I pursued accreditation: I believed that the challenges presented by IABC’s accreditation process would broaden my experience to encompass high-level strategic communications disciplines that I will need as my career advances. A thorough accreditation process, such as the one offered by IABC, is highly regarded by many world-class companies.

My next project: I’m pursuing my master’s degree at DePaul University, concentrating on global communications. I have a lifelong love of learning. Isn’t that what life’s all about?

Maryellen Thielen, ABC

Consultant

Joined IABC: As a Loyola University student

Unexpected career path: A financial communications job led to an MBA and career in investor relations, which integrates communications with finance, marketing and securities law compliance.

Why I pursued accreditation: My company was acquired and I was laid off – and I needed a goal beyond finding that next job.

ABC benefits: Learning more about other communications disciplines, and joining a network of truly impressive professionals.

Karen Utterback, ABC
Editor, Research and Consulting Center,
Government Finance Officers Association

Joined IABC: When I was looking for a job. Someone announced a job lead at an IABC meeting, I applied and was hired.

I attend IABC meetings because . . . they open my eyes to other ways of doing things. My small non-profit organization will never have large corporate resources, but I can apply the ideas and techniques discussed.

ABC benefits: Like my University of Chicago MBA, accreditation sharpened my strategic thinking skills and broadened my perspective.

When I’m not at work, I: run marathons, sail competitively, and see the world. My most exotic trips include sailing off New Zealand and England and running marathons in Antarctica and on the Great Wall of China.

Ray Valek, ABC
President
Valek & Co.

Career advice: Writing is the core of what we do. Keep improving your ability to communicate effectively and powerfully.

Why accreditation? Marketing communication was not yet well-accepted at my organization at the time. Accreditation helped me to be taken seriously – although compelling annual reports and great creative were also important in proving our value to management.

Benefits of having your own business: It’s the best job I’ve ever had. Instead of ‘been there, done that,’ I can work with organizations and individuals who have common values.