PACE Success Stories: Mitchell Henry
February 9, 2024
Welcome to our PACE Success Stories series! ASAP's Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) positions you as a highly credible professional who is serious about your career in the administrative field. Below you will find the experience of a PACE-certified admin, including how the program has positively impacted their professional goals and career pursuits.
We invited Mitchell Henry, Compliance Testing Analyst at Republic Bank in Louisville, Kentucky, to speak on his journey towards becoming PACE certified and the success he has experienced as a result.
Why did you decide to pursue certification as an administrative professional?
Mitchell Henry: I chose to pursue certification as an administrative professional to expand my knowledge within the field. I was eager to continue my work as a Legal Administrative Assistant and provide my organization with the benefits and support of a skilled administrative professional. When I was hired for the position, I was the first person to ever hold the position at the company. Therefore, I chose to pursue this certification to not only enhance my skills but to also develop the new position I occupied into the future.
What was your experience going through the course? How long did it take to complete?
I had a very positive experience throughout the PACE certification course. I chose to pursue this certification in addition to my graduate studies at the time, which was a bit intimidating. However, through effective time management and prioritizing my work, I was able to work through the course in about three months. I found that, even throughout the duration of the course, I was able to implement different skills and strategies into my work in real-time. Seeing my growth as I progressed through the course was a motivating factor in continuing my certification.
What topic did you enjoy, or think was the most beneficial while progressing through the course?
I enjoyed the management and leadership section the most. Specifically, learning about the characteristics of good leaders and managers and the objectives of those who are successful because of their skills. Too often, administrative professionals don't see themselves as leaders of their organization – but that is far from the reality! Administrative professionals ARE leaders and can effectively support the environments they work in, no matter how diverse. Learning these skills and techniques allowed me to better support and anticipate the needs of my executives, as well as provide them with the support they needed in a seamless way.
How has receiving your PACE directly impacted your professional goals and career pursuits?
Receiving my PACE certification has had a profound impact on not only my career as an administrative professional but also in my other professional networks and ambitions. My certification enhanced my skills as an administrative assistant and showcased my commitment to my career to the executives at my company. Additionally, my certification helped me receive a promotion at my company by proving my dedication to my career growth. I enjoy discussing my PACE certification with other members of the community that I work with as well.
What advice would you offer to other admins interested in getting their PACE?
If you’re a current administrative professional considering certification, I highly suggest becoming PACE-certified! In any industry, an exceptional team of admins can make such a profound impact on any organization. The PACE certification provides you with the foundation and skillset to take advantage of the opportunities that being an admin has. From technological skills, cross-departmental communication, to management of personnel, admins have a unique opportunity to lead their organizations and provide necessary structure.
If you decide to become certified, organization and time management are key skills to successfully pass the exam. While it may be daunting to take this certification in addition to your normal work, it is an incredibly rewarding experience that will benefit you and your organization in the long run.
More about Mitchell:
Mitchell began his professional career as a Legal and Compliance Administrative Assistant at Republic Bank & Trust Company, where he directly supported upper-level executives, such as the Chief Risk Officer, General Counsel, and Associate General Counsel for the Bank. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Republic Bank operates in five states (Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida) and offers a variety of banking products and services, such as deposit accounts, loan products, Treasury Management services, and commercial lending. Republic Bank has received local, state, and national recognition for being a leading financial institution and community partner. Presented by the Kentucky Chamber, Republic Bank has been a 7-time recipient of Best Places to Work in Kentucky! Mitchell currently works as a Compliance Testing Analyst for Republic Bank and provides support to its Chief Compliance Officer.
Mitchell has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Indiana University Southeast and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of Louisville. In addition to being PACE-certified, he is also a notary public for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In addition to legal and regulatory administrative experience, Mitchell has a wealth of experience with statistical and policy analysis from working as an academic researcher at Indiana University Southeast.
Mitchell currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for The Hope Buss, a nonprofit organization in Louisville (where he currently calls home) that focuses on food insecurity, homelessness, and emergency assistance. In his free time, he loves to go running in some of Louisville’s many beautiful parks, spend time with friends, and solo travel!
Want to learn more about PACE or explore other ASAP training opportunities to level up your career?
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