Andrea Roshaven, CEcD, community redevelopment specialist for the City of Tampa (Fla.), recently became a Certified Economic Developer. By passing the rigorous, two-part exam, CEcDs prove their comprehensive knowledge of the field and readiness to tackle economic development challenges.

What was the most important thing you learned while earning your CEcD?

I learned that there is a vast variety of economic development genres and professional backgrounds. I started the CEcD journey as a way to become more well-rounded and realized there is no one path to becoming a better economic development practitioner. There is a niche or path for you in economic development no matter your passion.

How will your CEcD help you in your work?

Earning my certification generated a sense of authenticity and respect among my peers and leadership. With those four letters, the CEcD automatically signals that I have a strong base of knowledge, a commitment to ethical standards, and the discipline for achieving professional development beyond my current role. It also strengthens my belief in myself and makes me strive to take on new challenges.

What advice would you give someone who is pursuing or considering a CEcD?

I would suggest giving yourself enough time to fully absorb the course materials and putting them into action before attempting the exam. This is not a simple check-the-boxes and cram-the-night-before type of process. One thing that helped me was looking for real-world local examples of activities we covered in the courses. I was able to talk to people involved in those projects and break them down in a way that ensured I understood the application and practice of the material covered in class. The curriculum exposed me to facets of economic development I would not have ordinarily encountered, and it ultimately spurred a change in professional direction for me.

Fun Facts

Favorite TV show: The space Western masterpiece Firefly

Favorite movie: The Usual Suspects

Favorite food: Homemade fried chicken

Pets: Malcolm (Reynolds) and Trey, my adorable Chihuahua terrier mix rescues

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Favorite city to visit: New York City

Early bird or night owl: Definitely a night owl