You’ve got your ICA qualification - what happens now?

Written by Holly Whitehead on Monday March 29, 2021

After being awarded an ICA qualification, you may find yourself wondering what comes next and how you can make the most of your new qualification.

Here we discuss the key steps you can take to maximise the potential for professional success that your ICA qualification offers.

Embrace your newly qualified status

Ensure you apply your new-found knowledge, and engage the new skills and passions that you have developed. Embrace the reputation of your qualification and be proud of the professional recognition that comes with it. Employers and colleagues will recognise the prestige of your ICA qualification, so have confidence in your own professional capabilities and seize the opportunities that come your way.

Spread the word

Completion of an ICA qualification is not something you should keep to yourself – share your success across your network and update your professional portfolio with the stamp of excellence that an ICA qualification represents. It will demonstrate both your commitment and achievement, while also revealing your newly developed expertise, giving you the edge when it comes to job hunting. Your hard work and intellectual endeavour deserve to be seen, and promotion on a social platform like LinkedIn serves as the perfect opportunity to display it.

Where do you want your ICA qualification to take you?

Although an ICA qualification will leave you with professional skills and specialist knowledge, it is down to you to ensure that it takes you where you want to go. You may have already set your career goals, or the completion of your qualification may be the catalyst for you to do this. Either way, welcome the empowerment your ICA qualification grants you and seize control of your career’s trajectory.

Join the global ICA community

By remaining an ICA member upon completion of your qualification, you have the privilege of being part of a prestigious professional community. This community serves as a committed and passionate platform to ensure members can keep pace with the constantly evolving financial and regulatory sector, and provides the resources required to continue professional development, pushing members to the forefront of their respective fields.

Membership and designation

After completing your ICA qualification, you may be eligible to upgrade your membership. Each membership level offers varying benefits, and so upgrading will usher in new opportunities and supplement your professional career and progression. You will also be permitted to use the relevant qualification designation, which offers a great opportunity to advertise your qualification and outline your recognised expertise.

Our qualifications help compliance professionals develop relevant knowledge and best practice for operating within the fields of governance, risk and compliance, financial crime prevention and anti money laundering. Awarded in conjunction with the Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, you can be assured that you are studying for an accredited qualification that is the benchmark of excellence.

If you're interested in an ICA qualification, more information can be found on our find a qualification page. Alternatively, please call +44(0)121 362 7534 or email studentservices@int-comp.org and we’ll happily take you through your study options.