In this article we take a closer look at chartered status to determine what it really means to those industries that hold it in high regard, and to understand its value.
Chartered status is the hallmark of professional excellence. It provides evidence of an individual having gained a specific level of professional competence in their work, and provides formal recognition of expertise. Chartered status is awarded primarily by chartered professional bodies and learned societies, and the accolade places recipients in high esteem among peers. Examples of industry professional bodies awarding chartership include: BCS – The Chartered Institute of IT, Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute for Marketing (CIM) and Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
But is it something that you should look to prioritise in your career, and what are the wider benefits of becoming chartered?
Prioritising chartership
Prioritising chartered status demonstrates a commitment towards achieving the highest standard of professional excellence and integrity, while keeping pace in a fast-moving professional environment. It marks a professional as someone who can be trusted; capable of offering the highest levels of expertise to benefit their organisation and help their customers. As a first step, gaining professional membership within your chosen profession is a positive move regardless of where you see your career progressing. Joining your professional body will provide you with access to a range of benefits, including certifications and professional qualifications, job opportunities, networking events, and access to professional advice. Work in digital? Connect, develop and thrive in the industry as a BCS member. Joining a professional body will also provide you with a wealth of sector-specific resources through which valuable continuing professional development (CPD) can be gained. CPD demonstrates a lifelong learning commitment, ensuring knowledge is up-to-date and credible, which is a key part of gaining the demonstrable skills needed to work towards chartered status.
Benefits of becoming a chartered IT professional (CITP)
As the IT profession continues to constantly evolve, those who can demonstrate that they operate to the highest professional standards are best placed to meet the needs of industry and society. Set yourself apart as highly-skilled and demonstrate your value to clients and employers as a Charted IT Professional (CITP).
Tangible benefits as a result of becoming chartered include, but are not limited to:
- use of an internationally protected title;
- recognition as a highly respected professional in your field;
- improved career opportunities and salary prospects;
- far greater influence within your organisation;
- greater opportunities to connect with influential people;
- recognition of professional competence and commitment;
- demonstration of practical experience combined with theoretical knowledge;
- a commitment to the importance of continuing professional development
- adherence to a code of ethics.
Chartered status and career advancement opportunities
What does gaining chartered status mean for your career? Gaining chartered professional status will likely prove valuable to your career because it opens up many new avenues. Mentioning your chartership in your email signature, on business cards and on your website / social channels can help build trust with potential clients and colleagues, potentially leading to new opportunities and strengthening existing relationships.
For you
Be part of something bigger, join BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
Using your expertise, backed by your chartered status to create online content – such as articles and blog posts about topics relevant to your industry – will mark you as a thought leader in your field, further elevating your professional status. This is also a great way to share your knowledge and build your credibility as an expert.
Chartered status can be used to access exclusive learning and development opportunities such as management courses or coaching programmes. Mentoring other managers or providing consultancy services can further help to develop your skills, while volunteering for roles on boards or committees will provide valuable experience while boosting leadership capabilities.
Chartered status opens up senior management positions in all types of organisations, many exciting roles within the public sector, and a wealth of senior consultancy and project management positions. Those with chartered status can enjoy highly successful and rewarding career journey, with pathways into senior management that only become possible by being regarded as an expert in their chosen field.
