Keep your career moving – why CPD matters

There are countless sayings and quotes about the importance of learning, but one that should resonate with everybody is – that you never stop learning. Whether in your personal life or in your career, a healthy attitude towards learning is key to unlocking your full potential. 

In actuarial sector, individuals committing to personal development and CPD are the norm rather than the exception

Fortunately, many businesses do realise the importance of continuous learning, and put a lot of energy and resource into building L&D departments with comprehensive training schemes to ensure employees are working to the best of their ability. Outside of in-work training, individuals committing to personal development and CPD are the norm rather than the exception, especially in sectors such as actuarial where there are a lot of technical skill and knowledge to not only initially learn, but constantly refresh as new practices and technologies are introduced.

Certificate as fully qualified actuary can often dictate the difference

For actuaries, one of the most important is the certificate as fully qualified actuary, which can often dictate the difference between getting hired, being promoted above the competition, or being secure enough in your own knowledge to confidently put it into practice.

Graduates in particular are more aware of the kind of CPD commitments

In our recent conversations with Actuaries, we’ve noticed that graduates in particular are more aware of the kind of CPD commitments they have to make to elevate their career. Perhaps this is due to more exposure to CPD demands for actuaries during education, the internet making this information and learning more accessible, or a general shift in culture, but there is a sure increase in the amount of conversations we’re having around CPD.

Companies very supportive of CPD learning

We’ve also found that most companies are very supportive of this sort of CPD learning, even if it means the candidate loses a small percentage of time at the workplace while they are carrying out the learning. Employers know that in the end this benefits them directly as well as the employee, and they will be rewarded with more skilled, confident and technically knowledgeable Actuaries. Companies are generally willing for junior actuaries to set aside time in the working day to ensure that the training as fully qualified actuary is completed.

Demand for learning seems to be higher amongst younger candidates

The level of commitment and types of learning Actuaries take on generally depends on the stage of career they are at. The demand for learning seems to be higher amongst younger candidates, whereas candidates further along in their career are happier to rely on their job keeping them abreast of the latest industry advancements, knowledge and skills needed to achieve high performance.

Knowledge that you simply won’t get on the job

As you take on more responsibility in your career and the general demands of life ramp up, many individuals stop putting as much energy into CPD. But having structured learning, amongst peers, and delivered by experts can sometimes deliver knowledge that’s structured in a way that you simply won’t get on the job.

Our advice: Take on as much learning as you can early in your career

Our advice to candidates is to take on as much learning as you can early in your career - with the mindset that it is a continuous process. Realising that there’s always something to learn will only give you a competitive advantage. On top of the valuable knowledge you’ll gain, the added benefit is the people you meet along the way. Courses are a great way to expand your network, get insider tips and get exposure to new ideas and ways of working. 

There are a huge number of ways you can conduct your own learning and CPD to help you to achieve the next level in your career, secure your next promotion or help you in your salary negotiations. If you want to know what sort of Actuarial salary bands you can expect, check out our 2021 Salary Guide.

This article was provided by actupool Competence Partner and specialist recruitment firm for financial services JCW! Visit www.jcwresourcing.com for further information.