As part of our Certified Information Professional Spotlight series, I recently sat down with Joanie Erickson, Global Records and Information Governance Leader at Molex, an electronics manufacturer specializing in connectors. We talked about how the certification has helped her establish credibility among her teammates and even get a new job!
Jesse: Hi Joanie, I’m excited to chat with you today about all things CIP. Let’s kick things off by talking about your role at Molex. What does your average day look like?
Joanie: As the Global Records and Information Governance Leader, I am responsible for developing and maintaining Molex’s Records Information Management Program. As the process owner for RIM, my role is the principal internal Records and Information Governance consultant for Molex. The role globally oversees and coordinates activities and efforts that serve to govern information and manage business records in compliance with Molex’s legal, regulatory, and business requirements.
Jesse: Wow, it sounds like AIIM’s certification was a great fit for you then.
Joanie: I was in one of the first groups of people to receive the CIP certification.
It lends credibility that I know what I am talking about when it comes to information management and governance projects, especially when working as part of a team. It represents the experience I’ve gained over my career.
Jesse: Were you working on a specific project at the time you had gotten certified?
Joanie: I was working as a project manager for deploying an email archive and legal hold process improvement initiative at a previous employer. Our basic metrics for success were:
Jesse: So you were working at a different company than you are now when you got certified?
Joanie: Yes, I was. The CIP helped me obtain my current position.
Jesse: Oh, wow! I love to hear success stories like that. Did the CIP help you with your email archive and legal hold process initiative in any way?
Joanie: Again, it lends credibility that I know what I am talking about.
Jesse: For those reading who are just starting out in information management, what’s one thing you wish you had learned earlier in your career?
Joanie: The one thing that if I could go back in time is to tell myself that it is OK to say no. Sometimes we can take on too many projects or try to appease too many people when it comes to information governance and management. It is OK to push back when needed.
Jesse: Awesome! Thank you so much for your time, Joanie.