People Behind the Certs – Izzy Navarrete – saasguru

SG: Let’s get started. Why don’t we start from the beginning? Please tell us about your education/ career before entering the Salesforce ecosystem.

IN: Before joining the Salesforce ecosystem, I worked in the hospitality industry for 10+ years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Hospitality Management, which I completed in 2009. 

After graduating, I started my career in the hotel sector, where I first worked as a Front Desk Agent at a five-star hotel in Napa Valley, California, and then moved to several other hotels in various locations. My last position in the hotel industry was at Embassy Suites by Hilton. Here, I was a Sales and Catering Coordinator, promoted to Catering Sales Manager, and then finally, promoted as Executive Meeting Manager. My primary duties included managing the daily operations of this hotel, as well as developing and implementing new strategies to improve customer service and increase revenue. 

After working there for several years, COVID happened, and everyone in the industry lost their jobs. During this time, I switched to pursue another industry as the hotel industry would not be back in service during COVID. This was when my Salesforce Journey began. I joined a Salesforce training program called Climb Hire, where I not only was just a student, but I became a mentor and facilitator for this program. Here I achieved gaining my Salesforce Administrator certification as well as mentoring students to achieve this as well. This enabled me to gain more skills within Salesforce. 

I eventually found my current role as a Salesforce Help Specialist at a prestigious bank called First Republic Bank and, of course, a mentor at saasguru.  

SG: That’s awesome. Now we would love to know what was the tipping point when you said, “I want to make this change,” and what was the trigger for that?

IN: In 2020, I decided to move into the Salesforce ecosystem due to COVID. It was not looking well for the hospitality industry to be in service again, and well, I had rent and bills to pay. After researching the next step in my career, I stumbled upon a Salesforce training program called Climb Hire. They helped me achieve my Salesforce Administrator Certification as well as put my foot in the door of the tech industry. 

After I achieved my certification, I was offered my first Salesforce job, where I worked as a Salesforce Administrator. In this role, I designed and implemented Salesforce solutions for clients based on their specific business needs. I also provided guidance and advice to clients on best practices for managing their Salesforce implementations. Additionally, I was responsible for developing and delivering training sessions on Salesforce topics. 

Since then, I have gained in-depth knowledge and expertise in the Salesforce platform. I have also earned multiple Salesforce certifications, including the Certified Salesforce Advanced Administrator, Certified Salesforce Sales Cloud, and Certified Salesforce Platform App Builder. This has enabled me to become an invaluable resource to clients and the Salesforce team.

Gradually, I developed a passion for technology which led me to pursue a career in the Salesforce ecosystem. This background has prepared me for success in my current role as a Salesforce Help Desk Specialist at First Republic Bank and a mentor at saasguru. I look forward to further working with clients to understand their Salesforce needs and help them find solutions that would help them reach their goals.

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SG: You achieved many certs along the way. Can you share three things with us?

1. Why do you value certificates?

2. What are the challenges associated with the process?

3. What are your top tips for being successful in cert exams?

IN: Ya sure.

1. I value certifications because they provide a tangible way to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in a specific area of expertise. Certifications can benefit those in the early stages of their career since they allow them to differentiate themselves from other job applicants. Furthermore, many employers and recruiters view certifications as a sign of commitment, dedication, and competency, which can give you a competitive edge when looking for a job or promotion.
2. One of the biggest challenges associated with the certification process is finding the time and resources to study for and take the exams. Many of the exams require you to have a deep understanding of the material, and it can be challenging to make the time to read through the material and practice the questions. Additionally, taking the exams can be expensive and often require you to travel to the testing center or have specific setup requirements for virtual testing, which can add an extra layer of difficulty.
3. My top tips for being successful in cert exams include:

• Make sure you understand the scope of the exam before you begin studying so that you can focus your efforts on the right topics.
• Use practice tests and simulations to ensure you’re familiar with the exam format.
• Take advantage of online resources such as study guides and tutorials to help you prepare.
• Make sure to take breaks throughout your study sessions to stay focused and motivated.
• Finally, make sure to arrive at the exam center/virtual exam on time and with all the necessary materials to start confidently.

SG: What do you enjoy most about your work as a certified Salesforce professional?

IN: As a certified Salesforce professional, I enjoy the challenge and variety of tasks that come with this position. Working with Salesforce involves learning new technologies, problem-solving, and implementing solutions to help businesses achieve their goals. It is rewarding to see how my work directly impacts the success of a company, and I take pride in the projects I contribute to. 

Additionally, I appreciate the dynamic nature of this job; no two days are the same, and I am constantly learning something new. There is an immense amount of satisfaction that comes from mastering difficult technical concepts and then seeing them applied to real-world scenarios. 

Finally, it is incredibly rewarding to be part of a strong, vibrant community of Salesforce professionals around the world.

SG: Time for gratitude!! Finally, is there anyone (individual or company) that you would like to take this opportunity to thank for their role in helping you along your journey? If Yes, what was their role in your success?

IN: Absolutely! I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, and mentors who have been there for me throughout my journey. They have provided me with invaluable support and guidance, which has been essential in helping me reach my goals. I would also like to thank the many companies I’ve worked with throughout my career, such as Climb Hire and now First Republic Bank. They have provided me with the resources and knowledge to help me get where I am today. Last but not least, I want to thank all the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with along the way – from colleagues to clients and everyone in between. Each person has made a lasting impact on my life, and I am incredibly grateful for their insight and support.