For many students, professional certifications come later—after landing a job or gaining years of experience.
But for Christel Portin, the decision came early.
“I was motivated to pursue the certification as I view it as a necessary strategy in order to earn legitimate credibility on my competencies in finance,” she says.
Currently a fourth-year BSBA Finance student at Tarlac State University, Portin is already thinking beyond graduation. Her goal is not just to enter the finance industry—but to build a long-term career with a strong technical foundation and, eventually, launch her own startup.
And for her, that foundation starts now.
Why Building Credibility Early Matters
In a competitive job market, academic performance alone is often not enough to stand out.
Portin saw certification as a way to bridge that gap—demonstrating both initiative and competence before stepping into the professional world.
“This certification shows the standard of excellence that aligns on my career strategy,” she explains.
Rather than waiting for opportunities to come, she chose to position herself early—developing knowledge in financial management, corporate finance, and risk analysis while still in school.
The result is not just additional credentials, but a deeper understanding of how finance works in real-world settings.
Combining Finance With Technology
One of the key themes in Portin’s approach is integration.
She is not focusing on finance alone—she is actively building skills in information technology alongside it.
“I am currently integrating the technical side of information technology with finance skills,” she says.
This combination reflects a broader shift in the industry. As financial systems become more digital, professionals who understand both finance and technology gain a clear advantage.
Portin sees fintech as a growing space—and one that requires a hybrid skill set.
“Fintech is gradually increasing in exponential manner globally,” she notes.
For aspiring finance professionals, this means that traditional knowledge must be complemented by technical capability.
Learning Leadership Early
Beyond technical skills, Portin has also developed her leadership style through academic projects and team-based work.
Whether leading equity research, business case studies, or financial analysis tasks, her approach begins with clarity.
“I usually grasp the whole picture of the problem and the goal before crafting the tactics,” she says.
From there, she emphasizes collaboration—encouraging input from team members, aligning ideas, and setting clear timelines.
She also builds in buffers by setting earlier internal deadlines, allowing time for revisions and quality checks before final submission.
But leadership, for her, is not just about execution—it is also about communication.
Recognizing that not everyone processes financial data the same way, she focuses on simplifying complex concepts and making them accessible to the team.
This approach improves both understanding and engagement—two factors that are often overlooked in technical fields.
The Role of Ethics in Finance
Portin also places strong emphasis on ethics—both in leadership and in financial work.
“Ethics is indeed necessary in all aspects in life, not only in finance,” she says.
In practice, this means maintaining honesty in reporting, ensuring accuracy in calculations, and properly citing sources.
It also means handling team dynamics with professionalism—addressing issues respectfully without allowing emotions to take over.
For her, ethical behavior is not just a requirement—it is a long-term strategy.
Because trust, once established, becomes a foundation for credibility, relationships, and future opportunities.
The Challenge of Discipline
Pursuing certification while completing a degree is not easy.
For Portin, the biggest challenge was managing time—balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of studying for the Certified Financial Management Professional (CFMP) program.
“The struggle is actually the management of my time,” she admits.
To overcome this, she relied on consistency—setting a regular study schedule, focusing on understanding concepts rather than rushing through material, and allowing time for rest and recovery.
The process was demanding, but it strengthened her foundation across key areas of finance.
“It provided me with such strong fundamentals in financial management, corporate finance, and even in risk analysis,” she says.
Turning Learning Into Opportunity
Since earning the certification, Portin has already seen tangible benefits.
She gained recognition from her professors, strengthened her confidence, and positioned herself more competitively for internships and job opportunities.
“A recognition from my professors… and a sense of accomplishment,” she says.
More importantly, the certification signals readiness.
It shows potential employers that she has gone beyond the classroom—taking initiative to build real-world knowledge and commit to professional standards.
For someone planning to enter finance, banking, or investment roles, that signal can make a difference.
Thinking Beyond Employment
While many students focus on securing their first job, Portin is already thinking further ahead.
Her long-term goal includes launching her own startup—something she believes will require both financial expertise and technical capability.
The certification, in this sense, is not just about employment.
It is about preparation—for leadership, for entrepreneurship, and for navigating a rapidly evolving industry.
A Message to Future Finance Professionals
For students considering a similar path, Portin’s advice is practical and grounded.
“Begin immediately in order to hold the assurance of having a strong grasp in terms of the finance core concepts,” she says.
She emphasizes the importance of consistency, connecting with others who have taken the certification, and focusing on understanding rather than speed.
The process may be difficult—but the long-term rewards make it worthwhile.
Because in finance, the advantage often goes to those who prepare early—and build credibility before opportunity arrives.
