From Nutrition to Negotiation: Eunice Gyimah’s Journey into Contract Management

Leveraging the contract management program, Eunice transitioned careers and aced her NCMA CCMA certification on her first attempt.

UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) alum Eunice Gyimah was working as a dietetic technician and nutrition manager, with plans to eventually pursue a master’s degree. But life happened, and her husband, an Army Chaplain, was reassigned to a base in Texas. She had to leave her job at a children’s hospital in Virginia to start a new life, and Eunice saw it as an opportunity to make a career switch and study contract management.

“While I was working at the children’s hospital, I realized I really enjoyed the business administration part of the job, working with vendor-customer negotiations and the contractual aspects of my role,” Eunice said. “I researched further about contract management through the Military Spouse Education program and found out about DCE’s online Contract Management certificate program.”

She took the plunge and found it was excellent preparation for her new career. Soon after receiving her certificate, Eunice took the exam for Certified Contract Management Associate (CCMA) certification — a highly regarded certification offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and coveted by employers. She aced it on her first try.

Today she’s seeking a full-time position in contract management. preferably with an aerospace company, with plans to pursue ongoing career education and certification down the road, building on the entry-level CCMA, increasing her skillsets as well as her career credentials.

“The CCMA certification is important because it proves an individual’s commitment to excellence and the highest standards of the contracting profession,” Eunice said. “The DCE program prepared me well to learn the principles of the Contract Management Book of Knowledge™ (CMBOK™) and Contract Management Standard®, which form the basis for the CCMA exam.”

Right now, she’s busy volunteering at a school on her husband’s Army base, helping to teach classes and coordinate school programs. It’s a fulfilling way to contribute while she finds the perfect fit for launching her new career, her true calling.

“What I love the most about contract management is making sure both parties are satisfied, drawing up the contracts, taking technical language and being able to translate and explain it in plain language,” she explained. “I intend to gain experience as a contract specialist in the private workforce and eventually pursue further NCMA certificates to enhance my competencies and skills.”

Certified success

Even newcomers to the field can take the exam for CCMA certification, demonstrating commitment, dedication, and knowledge of the Contract Management Standard®, with a strong understanding of the principles and lifecycle of contract management. Qualified candidates must have 40 hours of approved contract management credits and either an undergraduate degree or one year of experience in the workplace.

The CCMA is the first of four NCMA certificates that can be earned, each reflecting continued career growth and ongoing professional education in various specialized areas: The Certified Commercial Contract Manager™ (CCCM™) and Certified Federal Contract Manager™ (CFCM™) designations require 80 hours of approved credits, two years’ experience to qualify and either an undergraduate degree or five years of experience, while the Certified Professional Contract Manager™ certification (CPCM™) requires a Bachelor’s Degree, five years’ experience and 120 hours of approved credits.

Achieving NCMA certification is an important career step, one that provides a proven, measurable standard for potential employers to gain insight into a candidate’s training, knowledge and skillsets, Eunice added.

First steps to a new career

The DCE Contract Management certificate program takes a deep dive into the core competencies recognized by the NCMA, addressing procurement and contracting in a wide range of fields and industries. Taught by expert, experienced instructors, the courses address the entire Contract Management Lifecycle, from initiation to negotiation to formation and execution, as well as financial analysis and risk management.

Additionally, students explore emerging areas in international commerce and global outsourcing, all in accordance with the most current edition of the CMBOK™, helping them to master the core principles and prepare to successfully pass NCMA certification exams.

“The UC Irvine certificate program has enhanced the professionalism and commitment to quality standards which I attach to my career,” Eunice said. “The curriculum utilizes the Contract Management Standard® as the reference workbook, so I was well-prepared for taking the CCMA exam. Although the program was fully virtual, the faculty were supportive in helping me to achieve my goals in earning my certificate. I enjoyed all the courses, especially Virginia Suveiu’s Principles of Contracting.”

Eunice plans to achieve further NCMA certifications, with an eye on the CPCM™ and CFCM™. She intends to eventually leave the private sector and branch out as a private consultant. Meanwhile, she’s leveraging DCE’s Career Advancement Network to access the alumni job board and related resources in her pursuit.

“Achieving CCMA certification proves an individual’s commitment to excellence and the highest standards of the contracting profession,” Eunice said. “And I credit the DCE Contract Management program for making it happen. It is a great way to start my journey. It provides an excellent basis for a future in contract management.”

Learn more about the Contract Management Certificate Program.