In late 2019, like many commerce students, Kajal was drawn to the fields of finance, considering them to be among the most lucrative career paths. However, math was not her forte, and finance did not pique her interest. She wanted to pursue something dynamic, a field where every day would bring a new set of challenges and learning opportunities.

To find a career that aligned with her strengths and interests, she began researching courses that would remain relevant for the long term, offering both growth potential and versatility.

As her search continued, she noticed the growing focus on risk management as a valuable asset to companies around the world. Kajal further learned that the top 1000 listed companies from various sectors, banks, insurance companies and even asset management companies have been advised to have a dedicated Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and also set up a committee of risk management (RMC). Further research in the field and conversations with industry professionals indicated it Institute of Risk Management (IRM)the world’s most prestigious certification body for enterprise risk management (ERM) exams and qualifications with designations and fellowship in ERM. The IRM program seemed comprehensive and designed to meet the evolving needs of modern business, making it perfect for her aspirations.

With a clear direction in mind, Kajal enrolled in the IRM certification path through IRM India Affiliate. Her formal ERM education began by training for Level 1 MRI certification/examination. Over a concentrated period of three months, she devoted two to three hours each day to studying the IRM Handbook, which she read several times to gain a comprehensive understanding of the basic concepts. She began to understand the chapters and case studies as if she were already a CRO, integrating theoretical concepts with real-world risk scenarios.

Beyond the textbook provided by IRM India, Kajal has extended her learning through online videos available on the IRM India Level 1 portal and various industry resources, staying abreast of emerging trends by reading newspapers daily. Regular practice of multiple choice questions (MCQs) honed his knowledge and test-taking skills, strengthening his ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts. The combination of IRM’s structured materials, additional study resources, and consistent practice prepared her not only for the exam, but also for applying her skills in the workplace.

Along this journey, Kajal’s connection to risk management evolved into a deep-rooted interest. A day before her Level 1 exam, she felt a pang of sadness as she realized her daily study routine was coming to an end – a feeling that showed her true passion for the field. Her hard work culminated in an All India ranking in the Tier 1 examination, an achievement that opened up new opportunities. Through IRM India, she secured an internship in the Risk Management Department of a leading capital markets company, where she applied her background knowledge to real business scenarios and observed firsthand the role of risk in day-to-day operations. day.

While working as an intern, Kajal began preparing for the IRM Level 2 certification (IRMCert, OFQUAL Level 5). Balancing the demands of her internship with the comprehensive Level 2 syllabus was a challenge, however she managed her time effectively, studying three to four hours daily to maintain progress. Level 2, with its advanced content across a wider range of ERM topics, required an even more disciplined approach. Kajal relied on IRM’s extensive resources, including video lectures that provided detailed insights into complex topics and practical applications. The practice questions and case studies were invaluable in testing her understanding and preparing her for various exam scenarios, allowing her to approach the certification with confidence.

IRM’s global and Indian community of ERM practitioners, CROs and certified risk intelligence professionals with its network of candidates and mentors has also been instrumental in her journey. Interacting with peers pursuing similar paths provided Kajal with a support system of shared study tips, exam strategies and workload management tips. Kajal completed Level 2 with another All India rank which strengthened her expertise and marked her as a capable ERM professional. Recognizing her passion for ERM, her company retained her as a full-time employee. This transition from intern to employee validated her skills and set her on a solid path in risk management. Kajal’s career continued to progress and through IRM India’s placement support, she secured a position with another highly regarded capital markets firm. Her steady progress in the industry is down to her disciplined approach, hands-on experience and the role of IRM in shaping her professional journey.

Although Kajal’s journey as an IRM Certified Enterprise Risk Professional has only just begun, she considers herself a lifelong learner, committed to growing in the field and making meaningful contributions to her industry not only in risk departments, but and in various functions, considering the role of ERM in strategy and as a business enabler.

In today’s landscape, risks have begun to permeate every aspect of business processes and operations. Kajal’s passion highlights that risk is woven into every decision, process and interaction within an organization, impacting areas far beyond what is mandated by regulatory compliance. This broader understanding of risk underscores the value of achieving the global ERM designation from IRM to demonstrate competency in identifying, assessing and mitigating thousands of risks. The COVID-19 pandemic and series of uncertainties have reinforced the need to future-proof any career with an IRM certification that prepares candidates to be risk-savvy and high-quality problem solvers, opportunity strategists, and crisis managers.

IRM study materials provide both the technical knowledge and practical skills that will support companies in this increasingly complex landscape and make IRM graduates valuable assets to any organization navigating uncertainty.

Looking back, Kajal’s journey exemplifies the impact of structured education and community support in building a successful ERM career. Her experience with ERM underscores the importance of systematic learning and mentoring in a highly specialized field, showing how professional guidance and a collaborative network can shape the growth of an ERM professional. She notes that awareness of ERM as a career path is gradually expanding in India, with institutions like IRM playing a pivotal role in promoting the field’s relevance in today’s economy.

With increased education, resources and awareness, the value for certified IRM professionals is growing, giving aspiring entrepreneurs, family business owners, business leaders and risk professionals greater opportunities to make a significant impact by transforming the risk culture of any organization. . For Kajal, ERM is a dedication to helping companies navigate uncertainties, enabling informed decision-making and preparing them for future challenges. As the need for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow, Kajal’s journey highlights the role of quality education and mentorship in preparing the next generation of risk-savvy leaders. With IRM at the fore, her story is a testament to how passion, hard work and community support can pave the way for a successful and impactful career in a field critical to the future of global business.