IMA?s ?MyCMA? series spotlights valued members of the CMA^? (Certified Management Accountant) community. Learn about their journey with the certification?and get tips on advancing your own. This issue?s featured CMA is:

?	Name:?	Thomas J. Francl, CMA
	Company:?	National University
	Title:?	Associate Faculty - Professor
	Location:?	Albuquerque, N.M.

?

1. How did you first come across the CMA and what made you decide to go for it?
   
   My cost accounting professor in graduate school at USC (University of Southern California) encouraged me to seek the certificate. I guess he thought I was worthy.
   
   Because my career was Information Technology, I learned basic accounting skills on the job. My MBA degree taught me a great deal about accounting and business in general, but the CMA testing was like a ?final exam? that encompassed all of those experiences.
   
   
2. In what ways has CMA made an impact on your career or professional journey?
   
   The CMA has helped me stand out from the crowd by showing my employer and customers that I am serious about my career. It demonstrates a level of knowledge and invites their trust in my actions. Competency and credibility are not easy to come by, but the CMA helps.
   
   My career as a university professor responsible for six managerial accounting courses would not exist without that certification. While not a Ph.D., I am regarded as having a ?Master?s Degree Plus.?
   
   
3. What is your proudest career moment or milestone as a CMA?
   
   There hasn?t been a single moment, but there?s been a repetitive occurrence of students finding their way into successful careers. Helping the next generation is both a privilege and a responsibility.
   
   
4. What?s the best piece of advice you would give to CMA hopefuls?
   
   Hang in there. If I can achieve the CMA designation, you can too. Back then, I had to take one part twice. I still think I got the cash flow problem wrong. I wasn?t the best test-taker, but once I set a worthwhile goal, I stuck to it.
   
   
5. For those taking the exam, what study tip(s) can you share?
   
   If you?re just finishing school, take the exams as soon as possible while the material is still fresh. If it?s been a few years since graduation, take a review course that matches your learning preferences, be it textbooks, videos, live lectures, or computer reviews.
   
   
6. If you could have one superpower in the world, what would it be?
   
   Invisibility, although time travel would be a close second.

Share YOUR Story
We?d love to hear your CMA story! Please contact Pearl Chen, manager of brand content and storytelling, at pchen@imanet.org or (201) 474-1578.?