Name: Kimberly Graham, CPSM
Title: Director of Marketing
Firm: RSC Architects
SMPS Chapter: New York
Number of years in the A/E/C industry: 13
How has SMPS helped you in your career? I wouldn’t have the career I do today, or the network, or the incredible circle of marketing friends I have without SMPS. I’ve grown so much more confident and at a faster rate by being able to brainstorm and collaborate with other marketers. I’ve benefitted by learning from others and receiving advice from the wonderful mentors I’ve worked with along the way – and by giving back and sharing my experiences, too. It’s the best community.
Helpful hint to share with your fellow SMPS members: Get involved! Join a committee, show up at a networking event, make a new friend, and step outside of your comfort zone. And if you’re interested in taking the CPSM exam, join your local chapter’s study group! The New York City/Upstate New York Boot Camp was a lifeline to me throughout the process. Now, I’m excited to help future test takers navigate the exam as a Boot Camp “instructor!”
Tell us something we would be surprised to learn about you: Even though I’ve spoken at an SMPS regional conference and appear time-to-time on SMPS New York’s The Marketing Department podcast (if you haven’t listened, go check it out!), public speaking still makes me a bit nervous.
What I did at work yesterday: Developed content for our firm’s website re-launch, prepped our team for a presentation, coordinated some logistics for an upcoming photo shoot, and ran a go/no-go meeting – all in a day’s work!
As a CPSM, how has certification benefitted you? CPSM certification was on my radar for the past few years – I wanted to prove to myself that I could master each element of my job as an A/E/C marketer, and not just proposals. I’ve found since studying that I’m a better manager, better leader, and better equipped to help RSC’s leadership team in their planning, BD, and account management efforts.
