With Marilyn Stika, CMP, Editor, ICCI Newsletter
What trends are you noticing in Singapore with regard to career management?
Although there is a greater need for self-directed career management due to the rapid changing corporate landscape and the job market, the majority of clients with whom that I work with are still not really managing their own careers. To many, getting a job or climbing the corporate ladder is still the only item on their career wish lists. Many individuals’ career paths are still shaped by the employers and very much easily influenced by external factors.
However, what is encouraging is that there is an increasing awareness about the importance of increasing one’s employability and that this is more crucial than just being employed. Executives are getting more proactive in this area.
As a career professional, why do you think certification is important?
It is certainly important to be certified/qualified as a career professional in dealing with a very important aspect of an individual’s life. The certification should raise the standard and professionalism of the industry. It is also an important self-examination process in terms of the practitioner’s professional status. For the industry, it helps improve the branding.
How did you learn about the ICCI and our certification program?
The ICCI and the certification program were introduced to me by Mr. Paul Heng, CMF, who is based in Singapore.
What is the standard in Singapore with regard to certification in Career Management?
There is currently no standard or regulation in Singapore with regards to certification in career management. Most professionals in this field come from a Human Resource background. In Singapore, the level of Human Resource practice has been raised to the next level with the recent accreditation process put in place. My hope is that we will see a similar trend for the career management profession.
In your opinion, what is the best way to get the message out about becoming certified?
I think the answer lies in the branding of the career management profession. Certified Career Practitioners must be professional in their practice and play good role models so that the community will recognise and acknowledge the importance of this profession.
Has anything changed for you since you have become certified?
Well, as I have only been certified recently, it might be too premature for me to give a fair response to this question. However, it is indeed a milestone achievement for me and the certification process, especially the validation of my capability in my competencies, was important for me to review how equipped I am in the career services field. Moving forward, I will certainly feel more confident playing this role as this certification lends credibility and am also mindful of the importance of continuous education and keeping up-to-date in this practice.
Do you have any other comments regarding your certification?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Paul Heng, CMF, for his encouragement and for taking time to review my application. Appreciation also goes to Mr. Don Huse, CMF, for that very interesting and thought provoking interview.
Clement, thank you for sharing your perspective on the value of becoming certified. We appreciate your input and sincere congratulations on becoming a Certified Fellow with ICCI.
<back to top>
|
By Beth Ann Wilson, CMF, Governor ICCI