5 tips for becoming a Chartered IT professional

Becoming a Chartered professional is a significant achievement, but the journey can sometimes feel overwhelming. For women in particular, balancing career, life commitments, and sometimes a lack of guidance can make the path to becoming chartered feel like an uphill battle. However, with the right strategies and mindset, these challenges can be overcome. Below are some top tips to help you navigate common barriers and work steadily towards your Chartership.

1. Avoid unnecessary time pressure

One of the most common challenges is finding the time to dedicate to your application amidst daily life commitments. Many women juggle careers, family, and social responsibilities, so carving out extra hours for to write a strong application can feel daunting.

Tip: Don’t pressure yourself to get it done quickly. Becoming Chartered is a marathon, not a sprint. Spread the work out across a realistic timeline that suits your lifestyle. Breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks will help you make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, steady progress over time is much more sustainable than burning out by trying to do everything at once.

2. Start small with your application

Starting the process is often the hardest part. Staring at a blank application form can feel intimidating, and not knowing where to begin can lead to procrastination.

Tip: Start small. Begin with the easy sections, such as filling in your name, qualifications, and job history. This helps reduce the “blank page” anxiety and gives you a sense of achievement from the get-go. Once you have the simple details filled in, the rest of the form won’t feel quite as overwhelming, and you'll have a foundation to build on.

3. Find a mentor to support your application

Many women hesitate to apply for Chartership because they feel uncertain whether their experience measures up. It’s common to doubt whether you have done enough or have the “right” kind of experience.

Tip: Find a mentor. A mentor can provide valuable insight into whether your experience meets the requirements, and if not, they can guide you on what areas to focus on. You don’t need to figure everything out on your own – mentors or senior colleagues can offer practical advice on how to gain the necessary experience and how to effectively translate your skills and achievements into your application form. At BCS, The Chartered Institute of IT, you can apply for a mentor to support you with your CITP application. They have successfully completed the process and so will understand the requirements to give you practical guidance on how to put your best foot forward.

4. You don’t need to work in IT to be in a digital role

There’s a common misconception that you need to be in a technical or IT-focused role to call yourself “digital.” This can make women in non-technical roles feel out of place or inadequate when applying for CITP.

Tip: Understand that you don’t need to be in a technical role to be digital. In today’s workplace, digital skills are essential across all sectors, from management to service delivery. For example, I work in Service Management, focusing on service delivery, and I’m still considered a digital professional. Being digital is about understanding how technology impacts your work and the value you bring within that ecosystem. Most roles are interconnected with technology in some way, and it’s more about how you leverage that in your profession.

5. Find someone to keep you accountable

Working towards Chartership on your own can be isolating, and it’s easy to lose momentum without external accountability. Without a structure or support system, it's common to fall behind or become unsure if you're on the right track.

Tip: Set up an accountability system. Find a “Chartership buddy” or a small group of like-minded individuals who are also working towards their professional goals. Regular check-ins can keep you motivated and provide an opportunity to discuss challenges. In addition, make use of your sponsor or mentor for regular reviews of your progress. Scheduled sessions with them can help you go through any questions or concerns, ensuring you stay on course and keep the process moving forward.

For you

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The path to becoming Chartered can seem challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Remember, every journey is personal – it’s okay to take your time, seek support, and find your own pace. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can guide you and keep you accountable. Most importantly, trust in your experience and skills. You’re more capable than you think!
By breaking the process down into manageable steps, giving yourself flexibility, and reaching out for support, you’ll find the barriers to becoming Chartered much easier to overcome. Keep pushing forward – the finish line is within reach!