201509 CM September

EDUCATION
IS IT TIME
TO GET
QUALIFIED?
WITH busy work and personal lives, study towards qualifications can be hard to fit in.
Also expectations about qualification levels vary between organisations. However, as
new classes start in September for CICM qualifications, is it time that you signed up?
Choose an answer for each to help make your decision.
1. Which option best describes your department?
A. Best practice team, high expectations and regular
improvements.
B. New manager introducing new processes.
C. First class manager, successful department with new initiatives
D. Experienced manager and established procedures.
2. The training I receive is:
A. Comprehensive and ongoing.
B. Changing, our manager plans to offer more.
C. Targeted to meet specific requirements.
D. Limited, mainly support from an experienced colleague when I
started.
3. What additional support do you receive?
A. KPIs and personal development plans reviewed in monthly
one-to-ones.
B. Recent introduction of more regular one-to-ones with our line
manager.
C. One-to-ones to review KPIs with line manager.
D. Some advice at departmental meetings and an individual
meeting with the manager if there’s a problem.
4. Which option best describes your department’s
approach to qualifications?:
A. Established qualification pathway for the credit team
B. Manager encourages engagement in qualifications.
C. Limited focus on qualifications.
D. Qualifications are not valued – personal qualities and experience
thought to be more important.
5. Which option best describes your views about
qualifications?:
A. They are highly valued and make a significant difference to
people’s knowledge, skills and confidence.
B. Our manager thinks they are important but I don’t want to get
involved at the moment.
C. Personality and experience are more important than
qualifications.
D. Never really thought about it.
Is it time for you
to get qualified?
Mainly As
You’re probably already partly qualified being lucky to be
in a department which supports personal development and
recognises the value of qualified credit professionals. Look out
for advice in Study Updates and aim to progress to the Level 5
Diploma in Credit Management. The Level 5 Diploma will get
you involved in a range of projects which will raise your skills
tremendously and make a significant difference at work.
Mainly Bs
Your manager is obviously keen to support you. Why not give it a
go? A local class would be perfect because you’d have plenty of
support. If there isn’t a class nearby, perhaps try a CICM Virtual
Classroom. Classes are interactive and you meet regularly with
your teacher and class over the web. If you don’t fancy this at the
moment, perhaps have a go at an assignment on cash collections
or telephone collections? I bet your manager would give plenty
of support.
Mainly Cs
Sounds like you are good at your job and work in an exciting
department. It is a shame though that few have invested in
qualifications because these would broaden your knowledge
and skills and help your department move into another league.
If you’re a large department, ask about CICM corporate
membership or if your company would offer an in-company
evening class for credit management. If a group shows interest
you are likely to get support. Just think how stimulating it would
be to spend time with a class of like-minded people and a first
rate credit management teacher.
Mainly Ds
You should definitely try a qualification course. It would help
fill gaps in your understanding and give you confidence. Why
not start with the credit management unit? In classes you would
meet other credit professionals and discover new aspects about
credit management which will make you better at your job. Also
qualifications may give you opportunities in the future.
Visit cicm.com to find about your options or contact one of the teaching centres
opposite to find out more. Book a place early to avoid disappointment because classes,
particularly for CICM Virtual Classrooms, fill up quickly.
46 September 2015 www.cicm.com
The recognised standard in credit management