Being part of ISACA is more than just what you learn, as important as that is. The people you are learning with and from make our passionate global community of digital trust professionals unmatched.
That community includes an outstanding professional mentorship program, extensive learning and networking opportunities through more than 200 ISACA local chapters and ISACA’s Engage online community, which connects our global network with knowledge-sharing and volunteer opportunities.
Many people first come to ISACA for one of our industry-leading certifications. As important and relevant as those credentials continue to be, professional development in this era is about so much more than a one-time certification. That is why we are investing in training, skills-building, frameworks and thought leadership resources to provide the holistic professional development opportunities our community needs to thrive in our increasingly challenging digital landscape.
In my first year-plus as ISACA CEO, we’ve focused heavily on how we can be most impactful for our members going forward, and the north star we’re gravitating toward is being a trusted partner that supports your entire career journey – from the beginning of your career until you retire, and before, while and after you become certified. We understand that recent graduates, early-career professionals, mid-career professionals and those more senior in their careers all have distinct needs, and enhancing the resources available to support each stage of your career journey is a focal point in our planning.
When you come to ISACA, you’re accessing a network that will differentiate you from others and prepare you not just for your current job, but for future roles that will propel your career forward. It’s been inspirational to learn how significant we’ve been in so many of our members’ career journeys, and not solely because of our globally respected certifications, but also due to the power of our global network.
“Early in my career, I felt a bit like a security nomad, zigzagging across cities, countries and continents for various professional services roles,” said ISACA member Jay Hira, of Australia, in a recent feature on the ISACA Now blog. “While each move was an exciting adventure, it also meant leaving behind familiar faces and networks. That's where ISACA stepped in and became my anchor. I discovered that no matter where my work took me, there was always an ISACA chapter nearby, brimming with passionate, like-minded cyber practitioners. It was like finding my tribe, a place where I could connect, learn and grow alongside fellow enthusiasts.”
Not only has Jay’s career spanned multiple countries, but he also has progressed from a hands-on, technical security practitioner to a leader who now focuses on governance and strategy. As his career has unfolded, he continues to turn to ISACA to be, as he puts it, his “trusted guidebook” to his career journey.
Another recently featured member, Abigael Bada of the UK, shared how her CISA certification both elevated her organization’s GRC capabilities and provided the foundation she needed to successfully launch her own tech start-up company. Bada’s career has further been enriched through her participation in ISACA’s SheLeadsTech and Mentorship programs.
“ISACA has been a cornerstone of my professional development, providing invaluable resources, networking opportunities and support throughout my career,” she said.
Providing career-long support as we have for Jay and Abigael is our aim for each of our 180,000 members and the best way we can continue to grow our community.
In addition to that career journey focus, other leading priorities in our near future will include evolving our technology infrastructure to provide a better experience for finding and digesting ISACA thought leadership, and making the website more user-friendly. We know your time is valuable, and we are striving to make it easier for you to find what you need efficiently.
We also will prioritize continuing to strengthen our credentialing portfolio. This year, we have put forward several AI training courses, and you can expect ongoing focus on developing learning resources that will equip our members to advance trust in technology.
I look forward to sharing more progress on these areas in the months to come, including introducing updated ISACA mission and vision statements that reflect our commitment to you.
Our goal is for ISACA to be the community you not only turn to for a certification, a webinar or CPE opportunities, but a vital partner throughout your career. Come along for the ride with us – you’ll find that what you’re learning and who you’re learning with will provide the forward momentum you need for the entirety of your career journey.