Powered by IABC
Catalyst
  • Innovation
  • Business Acumen
  • Career Roadmap
  • Gold Quill
  • Podcasts
  • About
Certification Stories: My Journey to Becoming Jamaica’s First SCMP
Career Roadmap | 22 July 2022
Certification Stories: My Journey to Becoming Jamaica’s First SCMP
by: Lavern J. Reid, ABC, SCMP™

When I returned to the workforce in 2014 after an eight-year hiatus to look after my two young boys, I realized that in the years in between, developments in technology had swept my profession into uncharted waters (at least for me).

Social media platforms, which had previously been a space for cute family pictures and informal news commentary, had blossomed into the go-to spot for many interactions. There was a wide gamut of technologies to which I had to become accustomed if I wanted to be relevant and communicate effectively in professional settings.

Thus began my journey toward certification. I was already an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC), but now needed to update my body of work and my skills to match the dynamism of an evolving marketing and communication landscape. I began gingerly, then with increasing confidence, to unpack the potential of vlogs, short-form videos, group wikis and podcasts.  

I was fortunate to continue working as a consultant, which allowed me to amass experience in diverse sectors. But with a hectic work and home schedule, I was unable to take the certification exam as quickly as I had anticipated. 

COVID-19 brought the blessing of remote work; without the morning and evening commute I had extra hours to read and network with other communicators. The Gift of Excellence from the IABC Foundation toward my application for the exam was the final encouragement I needed. I submitted my application began to prepare in earnest. 

I pored over “The IABC Guide for Practical Business Communication,” the IABC Code of Ethics, as well as a selection of online articles on the subject areas to be tested. I enrolled in online training courses to plug gaps in my skills and knowledge, and continued to volunteer as an assessor for the post-graduate course in integrated marketing and communications at a local university.

I also got great advice and encouragement from fellow members of the outgoing IABC Ethics Committee who had already been through the process.

In May 2022, I took the opportunity of a short vacation in Toronto, Canada, to sit for the exam. It was more challenging than I had expected, but I returned to Jamaica as the island’s only SCMP™! 

While that carries a certain cachet, I am anxious for others in my country to be similarly certified, as this lends credence to the professional standards at which we operate. Many Jamaicans already have the experience and qualifications necessary for either level of certification which the GCCC affords.

I am excited to report that there are now conversations about reactivating the IABC Jamaica chapter to build a strong support network for professional development opportunities, such as certification!

I look forward to mentoring future generations of GCCC aspirants and hope to be able to share that journey with you.


Lavern J. Reid, ABC, SCMP™

Lavern J. Reid, ABC, SCMP™, is an international communication consultant with more than 20 years of experience across both public and private sectors in the Caribbean and Europe, including the United Nations and academia. Functions of her roles have included strategic communication advisor, editor/speech writer, business protocol trainer and media relations manager. She enjoys employee engagement, crisis communication and event management. Reid is multi-lingual and is most happy when surrounded by books, dogs, sunsets, quirky shoes and ice cream. She is based in Kingston, Jamaica.

Podcasts
Defining the Future of Work With USC Annenberg’s Fred Cook 
24 September 2024
Defining the Future of Work With USC Annenberg’s Fred Cook
by: Fred Cook and Matt Tidwell, Ph.D., APR

In the latest PodCatalyst episode, Matt Tidwell and Fred Cook discuss how remote and hybrid work are transforming corporate culture, management dynamics, and training gaps for early career professionals.

Podcasts
In Under 10: Getting the C-Suite’s Take on Comms 
28 August 2024
In Under 10: Getting the C-Suite’s Take on Comms
by: Joe Spratt

In the latest PodCatalyst episode, Joe Spratt of McKinsey & Company discusses the future of communications, key report findings and the evolving role of communicators.

Podcasts
Overheard at World Conference 
25 July 2024
Overheard at World Conference
by: IABC Staff

At IABC's World Conference in Chicago, we captured attendees' aha moments on AI, accessibility, hiring and training future comms pros. Tune into PodCatalyst for insights from your IABC peers! 

Contact Us
330 N Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
Phone: 312.321.6868 | Toll-Free: 800.218.8097 | E-mail: member_relations@iabc.com
Login
Search