What made you decide to pursue the Community Indicators Researcher Certificate?

I started to attend the ISQOLS conferences in 2014.   I saw Dr. Sirgy’s presentation about the benefits of the certificate in Seoul, Korea. My research interests focus often on the intersection of public policy and community.  I really felt that I was missing some of the theoretical structures and how to operationalize my work in this area.

How would you describe the course experience?

The course experience is one that allows for a person to study at their own pace and then prepare the examination.  In my case, I would say that Dr. Sirgy was very patient with me because of several unexpected delays on my end.  Dr. Sirgy is available for questions. He also checks in to inquire about the process. I really appreciate not only his expertise but him!

How long did it take you to complete this certificate program? How many hours per week (on average) did you dedicate to the program? Were you able to balance your normal work/life activities alongside this certificate program?

It is very important  to plan to study the manual for each section as you would for a class: 10/15 hours week on a section after and then that same or more  for the examination case study per case study. So my tip here, do not over-promise completion timelines that you cannot make.  Do not start until you are ready or have appropriately carved out enough time to complete. The course is not onerous. Rather, it is a matter of being truly committed in real time to complete.

How did this certificate program impact and/or increase your knowledge of your field of study?

Currently, I am working on a book chapter for the forthcoming Phillips and Trevan Research Handbook for Community Development (Elgar Publishing) writing a case study for a city in the southeastern part of the United States that has a community indicators project.  The course allowed me to ask certain questions to professionals and the academic research partner that I might have missed.  The certificate has allowed me now to write a case study on this southern city’s program looking critically from both a theoretical and indicators perspective but the value of both subjective and objective validation of what the needs of the community actually are. In my case that I am working on for that handbook, I have found that there was no community validation outside of elites (community leaders, government leaders and the like) to see if the selected indicators actually capture what should be measured.

How do you feel this certification will enhance your career and/or personal expertise and knowledge?

It will make me a stronger researcher. It will allow me to develop a research portfolio in this area. 

Would you recommend this certificate to others? If yes, why?

Yes. For all of the reasons stated above. This certificate I believe is especially good for people with five or less years in the field.   Finally, thank you, Dr. Sirgy for the program and helping me stretch myself to be intentional about my learning in this field.