What to do after bagging that certification: Have you ever been in a room where someone was caught off guard because he or she couldn’t answer a question? It gets even more difficult when the inquiry pertains to the individual’s field of expertise or qualification.
You may overhear sinister remarks such as:
“I assumed you held a CFA charter; didn’t you study this in ICAN?” I assumed you had completed CIPM,” and other disparaging remarks. At times, the scenarios may even contradict the recognized certification, but no one listens to an explanation at that moment. Have you ever been in a room where someone was caught off guard because he or she couldn’t answer a question? It gets even more difficult when the inquiry pertains to the individual’s field of expertise or qualification.
What to do after bagging that certification
The following are some things you can do once you’ve obtained your desired certification.
1. Promote knowledge sharing at work
This is beneficial not just after obtaining the certification, but also during studying for the certification. For instance, data indicates that individuals in finance-related professions are more likely to pass the CFA exam than those in non-finance-related roles.
If you fall into the latter category, you can host knowledge-sharing sessions on the subject you’re studying and how it relates to the firm’s, company’s, or your department’s daily operations. You can collaborate with the Learning and Development Unit or the Human Resources department to streamline the process and ensure that it benefits as many people as possible.
The more you communicate, the more you retain information.
2. Connect them to real-world examples
Nothing helps you recall theories better than connecting them to the real world. Applying the theories that you learned when studying for your tests aids significantly in reinforcing and rehearsing the principles. If a crossroads occurs at work or a problem arises, and you are able to propose a solution based on the material of your examinations module, you not only feel good about yourself, but you also win your colleague’s respect. Isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?
3. Participate in professional networking events.
Attending workshops, professional meet-ups, open day sessions, and other relevant activities makes staying current in your area more enjoyable. Not only do you refresh your recently certified knowledge, but you also learn about any modifications that may have occurred that you were likely unaware of.
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For example, the HRCI modified the modules of several of its examinations approximately a year ago, which I learned about during a virtual meet-up. IFRS standards continue to evolve, ISO standards continue to develop, and other bodies of knowledge continue to evolve. Attending meet-ups is critical to maintaining your space.
4. Conduct a review of your manuals
This may sound like beginner’s advice, but it is extremely beneficial. In your leisure time, revisiting your modules or test manuals refreshes your memory and reminds you of concepts you probably just have a passing familiarity with.
Indeed, occasionally rereading your manuals reveals a wealth of new insights that you missed while studying for your examinations. Additionally, you can learn more about the additional notes, footnotes, bookmarks, and other resources that were mentioned to aid incomprehension.
Visit your manuals/modules today and observe how revitalized you feel afterward.
5. Assist colleagues both within and outside of work
It is the year 2022, and it is quite acceptable to pursue certification in a new field in the hope of pivoting to that field in the near future. For example, you can be a customer experience professional and pursue a Human Resources certification, or you can be a product specialist and pursue certification as a certified product manager.
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While you wait for an opportunity, you can express your interest in assisting those who are already in the role, either within or outside of work. This allows you to experience the practical application of the theories you’ve been studying and elevates you to a great pedestal.
6. Offer to teach or lecture about them as a volunteer
Additionally, you can stay current by offering to teach at tutorials or lecturing your friends and colleagues who are about to sit for the examinations you just passed. Professional qualifications are beneficial, but they are not the final goal, just as no bus stop on the career marathon is. The ability to comprehend and recall to apply everything you’ve learned is one method to set yourself apart as a qualified expert.
However, we have discussed what to do after bagging that certification.
