Spotlight on an ETA CPP: Eric Jacobsen, Elavon
Eric Jacobsen, Integrated Partnerships | Business Development | ISO/ISV/Agents, Elavon
Eric Jacobsen has been a significant payment industry force for the past 15 years. He has primarily focused on sales throughout his career, starting as an SMB merchant sales representative. Progressing through various roles such as team lead, ISV sales executive, and eventually becoming the Director of Partner Business Development at Elavon, Eric has worked closely with ISVs, Agenda, and ISOs. As his career advanced, he decided to pursue certification. In September 2021, Eric obtained his ETA Certified Payments Professional (ETA CPP) designation and is currently an active ETA CPP Credentialing Committee member. These six letters are proudly displayed on his email signature and social media platforms like LinkedIn, enabling him to network with industry peers, fellow ETA CPPs, and prospects who have now become partners.
We had the opportunity to ask Eric why he is a strong advocate and supporter of the ETA CPP program, and here’s what he shared with the Transactions Trends audience on why he is an advocate for ETA’s CPP program.
Who should become certified?
Any payments professional who wants to strengthen their industry knowledge should consider becoming an ETA CPP.
Why should you become certified?
Over the last 15 years in payments, I have helped merchants and partners understand the importance of our industry’s evolution, including aspects like PCI compliance, EMV, tokenization, and funding options. Our industry is constantly changing, and I believe that certification and ETA’s continuing education programs (CE) are essential tools to stay at the forefront of fintech.
Why does certification matter?
As a Partner Business Development representative at Elavon, the knowledge I gain through the ETA CPP certification enables me to provide the best solutions for my prospects and partners.
Can you describe an instance when being an ETA CPP gave you a competitive edge over another individual/organization?
ETA CPP certification builds credibility and trust. I adopt a trusted advisor approach to partner sales, and being an ETA CPP equips me with the tools to ask relevant questions and collaborate with ISVs, Agents, and ISOs.
In what ways has the ETA CPP challenged your knowledge of the payments ecosystem?
Due to the comprehensive nature of the ETA CPP exam, I was challenged to broaden my industry knowledge to include areas such as risk, compliance, underwriting, and other aspects of payments. The exam and continuing education opportunities push me beyond my comfort zone in pricing and sales.
What advice would you give someone beginning their career in the payments industry?
Learn as much as you can, as quickly as possible, and network with other payment professionals within and outside your organization. Most importantly, always prioritize continuous learning.
Are there any career highlights you have had since being a ETA CPP?
Serving on the ETA Credentialing Committee has been a tremendous honor and privilege. Working with other industry professionals to update the current ETA CPP exam as technology and standards evolve has been an enlightening experience.
Eric Jacobsen’s journey as an ETA CPP showcases the value and impact of obtaining this esteemed certification. As the payments industry evolves, the ETA CPP program equips professionals like Eric with the knowledge and credibility needed to succeed and contribute to the industry’s growth.