I’ve worked at my job for several years. It has been easy for me to stay at the same job for so long because I love it and, although it may seem “old hat” with years of experience behind me, Laurie Cadigan’s president’s message on page 20 of this issue about continuing education rings true for all of us, not just REALTORS®.
  My college days of intense study were some time ago and since then I have taken a training course here and there in my field but it had been awhile. Therefore, about a year ago I decided to polish my skills by earning a certification in association management. The coursework covers all facets of association business including budgeting, strategic planning, and human resources to name a few. The certification requires the completion of six courses and the program is offered through the National Association of REALTORS®, like many member designation courses are.
  Both you and I are lucky to be a part of an organization that prides itself on professionalism, ethical requirements, and continued education. Not only can members gain extensive business knowledge with designations such as the e-PRO technology designation, Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and Loss Mitigation Certification (LMC)—to name a few beyond those that Laurie mentions in her article—but also association staff can benefit from opportunities to further our education.
  The more recent course I took working toward my certification was “Politics and Beyond: Advocacy for REALTOR® Associations,” which resonates with this issue’s feature story. Legislation that the association often advocates improves business practices in concert with the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. The constant companionship of the two entities professionalizes the industry and makes you, as a member, more valuable and experienced than any non-REALTOR® in the marketplace.
  The feature highlights how the association works to support your ethical and professional standards through standards of practice regulations on the local and state levels, through watchdog efforts on litigation and policies on the national level, and by improving business practices of the entire industry.
  As a result of my coursework, I now understand more fully how impactful the REALTOR® professional standards are to the industry and the  organization. There is much to be learned throughout our careers. Whether it translates to monetary gains or more experience, all education yields greater success for us as individuals. I applaud all of us for taking the steps needed to be the best we can be.