Profiles in Financial Mastery: Christel A. Portin, CFMP
Christel A. Portin, CFMP®, is an accomplished fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Financial Management, at Tarlac State University. Her academic journey is distinguished by a consistent record of high achievement, having graduated as the Salutatorian in Senior High School and Valedictorian in Junior High School, both with High Honors.
Her professional standing is further elevated by her certification as a financial management professional, which complements her rigorous academic training and demonstrates an early commitment to professional excellence.
Her credentials are further strengthened by active engagement in practical and competitive arenas. She has represented her university in prestigious inter-collegiate finance competitions and earned the position of 1st Runner Up in the 2025 FEU Dillman InQUIZitive 5.0.
Beyond competition, she applies her skills through volunteering roles, such as a Microsoft Student Ambassador, and holds additional professional certifications in data analytics and UX design. This combination of academic distinction, competitive success, and proactive skill development positions her as a promising and highly capable emerging professional in the field of finance.”
CFMP® Certification Journey
“The struggle is actually the management of my time as the academic year is fast approaching. Aside from building my foundation in the technical side, I am also exploring the side in finance. Having a consistent discipline in reading the materials and understanding the concept along with self study on the computational discussion is the most challenging part.
To manage this, I allow myself to have sufficient rest and reward for every accomplishment of my reviews. It is indeed difficult; yet, this provided me with such strong fundamentals in financial management, corporate finance, and even in risk analysis, which are part of the exam as well.”
Benefits & Recognition
“A recognition from my professors and holding an edge with the knowledge that I have learned from the certification. Moreover, it also provided me with a sense of accomplishment and boosted my credibility. I believe that this will help me to easily apply for jobs and have an opportunity to enter a well-known company for my upcoming job training in the future. Finally, launching my start-up in the future will help me to stand out as this reflects my commitment to excellence in managing finances.”
Credibility & Career Opportunities
“I am currently a 4th-year student, majoring in finance, and I believe that this really builds my credibility to show my initiative and commitment in learning more in this field. This could also help me to open the doors of opportunities for business management and finance roles that include finance, banking, and investment sector.”
Advice to Aspiring CFMP® Candidates
“The title itself represents your initiative and commitment in pursuing the finance field. Begin immediately in order to hold the assurance of having a strong grasp in terms of the finance core concepts. For the preparation, create a consistent study schedule, connect with other professionals who have already taken the certification, and understand the concept without the sense of rush.
The review journey is quite difficult, but always remember the fruit that you are going to yield and the fulfillment that awaits in the end. If you wish to advance in finance and leadership roles, this certification can help you.”
