Young professionals would do well to associate themselves with a professional body within their industry, says Insurance Institute of South Africa's (IISA) CEO, Thokozile Mahlangu.
Millennials are often criticised for wanting to climb the corporate ladder at a fast pace, while those who came before them are aware of the time it takes to nurture the skills and experience needed for the next phase of a career. Be that as it may, both generations have to use some assets already made available by the industries where they work. Professional bodies are examples of such resources.
"IISA is the only professional body in the life and non-life insurance industry. We provide designations after a person has completed their insurance qualifications.
Professional designations give one good standing in the insurance industry. It shows that you have qualifications and experience, and that you have met the professional standards that are approved by IISA," Mahlangu says.
In a world where career advancement requires evident effort from professionals, Mahlangu says being associated with a reputable industry body that exists for upskilling and professionalisation of the sector will go a long way towards opening doors for those seeking to climb the professional ladder.
"Employers are looking for self-starters, individuals who can self-manage, and self-develop. They are looking for people who can take advantage of the resources at their disposal within their spaces of work and their industries.There has never been a better time for the ambitious and determined to associate with a professional body," she says.
The benefits of belonging to an industry body are numerous. Over and above the association, it opens doors to networking and training opportunities with like-minded individuals, among others. Mahlangu concludes by saying the current unemployment climate in the country should serve as motivation for professionals to set themselves apart and leverage whatever means are at their disposal.