AS AN ENTREPRENEUR: THE POWER OF EARNING A SHRM CERTIFICATION An Interview with Vernisha Crawford, a CPE SHRM Student

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) is a globally recognized professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of human resource management. Georgia Southern University Continuing and Professional Education (CPE), in partnership with SHRM, provides resources, certifications, and networking opportunities for HR professionals to enhance their skills, knowledge, and credibility in the industry. We had the opportunity to ask Vernisha Crawford, CEO of Trauma Informed Institute, some questions about her experience during and since receiving a SHRM certification.

CPE: What motivated you to pursue this certification, and how has it helped you in your career?

VC: “As an aspiring entrepreneur, I recognized the importance of continuous learning. After engaging in numerous business courses, trainings, and workshops, I came to realize that despite having excellent plans, products, and services, the absence of effective people management systems could pose a significant risk to any company's success.”

CPE: What specific skills or knowledge did you gain from the certification, and how have you applied these in your work?

VC: “The certification program emphasized the criticality of compliance in business operations. While compliance may initially seem like an insignificant aspect, disregarding it can have severe consequences for a company. Recognizing this, I incorporated compliance measures into my business practices to ensure long-term success.”

CPE: How has this certification impacted your job prospects or earning potential?

VC: “Implementing the knowledge gained from this certification greatly improved my ability to manage my company. I made strategic investments in HR systems and personnel to oversee crucial aspects such as company policies and payroll. Recognizing that I couldn't handle everything alone as an entrepreneur, this certification helped me understand the significance of delegating responsibilities. As a result, my business experienced remarkable growth, with revenue escalating from $90,000 to $300,000 within a year of completing the program. Moving forward to 2023, I have expanded my business portfolio internationally and successfully secured and managed high-value client projects.”

CPE: What challenges did you face while preparing for the certification, and how did you overcome them?

VC: “Effective time management proved to be my most significant challenge throughout the preparation process. I tend to take on numerous tasks without creating sufficient space to complete them all. However, I overcame this hurdle by adopting a more mindful approach. I read the material at my own pace, attended classes whenever possible, utilized available resources, and focused on comprehending the concepts and valuable content. This approach has played a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable business portfolio.”

CPE: Would you recommend this certification to others in your field, and if so, why? How do you believe it could benefit them in their careers?

VC: “Absolutely, I would highly recommend this certification to every entrepreneur. It provides valuable insights into people management, compliance, and HR—the essential pillars of running a successful business. Even without obtaining the formal certification, the knowledge gained from this program can significantly transform one's entrepreneurial journey, leading to more informed decision-making and improved outcomes.”

The collaboration between CPE and SHRM has paved the way for HR professionals in the Coastal Georgia region to elevate their careers and entrepreneurs to build successful businesses.

SHRM Learning System

Increase your chances of passing your exam by attending our upcoming certification prep course. An expert, SHRMcertified instructor will be on hand to answer your questions, guide you through interactive discussions, review sample test questions and provide exclusive test-taking tips.

Wednesdays, September 13-December 6, 2023

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