“If you want to learn something, read about it. If you want to understand something, write about it. If you want to master something, teach it.” ~ Yogi Bhajan
Undoubtedly, ISACA is cultivating the next generation of digital trust professionals as it is a one-stop-shop for top-notch industry-recognized credentials, pieces of training that bridge the gaps between what people learn in university and the practical skills required to perform tasks at work. It also offers leadership development, corporate social responsibility (CSR), inclusion and engagement with a diverse global community.
Throughout a couple of years in our work experience, there are unique enablers that have propelled our careers including:
- Continuous learning through earning ISACA certifications
- Demonstrating specialized knowledge gained through practical experience in different workplaces
- Giving back to the profession through volunteering
- Engaging with the diverse global ISACA community
While pursuing certifications demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning, certifications have given us the opportunity to add great value to any organization we have worked for regardless of the industry. Having professional certifications such as ISACA’s Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) shows your high commitment and knowledge in IT domains and adherence to global industry best practices and standards.
Adham: The process of obtaining CRISC designation was a great and joyful journey that reshaped my mindset greatly, which eventually motivated me to pursue another ISACA certification: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), which remains one of the most respected, recognized IS/IT certifications in the world and was recognized by SC Media as the Best Professional Certification Program for 2020. Whereas pursuing the CISM wasn’t a straightforward journey for me, since it required mastering multiple domains both theoretically and practically, it forced me to highly invest my time and energy to understand the materials ins and outs, which enhanced my skills and made me a better security expert and more knowledgeable. The journey enhanced my self-organization, discipline, and motivation. It enabled career advancement and carries great respect among employers. I am very proud to hold two core ISACA certifications and belong to the global community. Being recognized as CRISC-certified has increased my professional reputation professionally in the security and GRC domains, and in addition, offered me a great tool to build upon it to develop a better understanding of risk quantification.
Veronica: The reward that comes with having any ISACA certification is fully worthwhile. For me, being CISA and CDPSE-certified, together with holding the IT Risk Fundamentals Certificate, has tremendously exposed me to new horizons in my career. These certifications are unique in all measures and strategically prepare holders for higher roles in organizations. I have been able to transform business processes by introducing diverse perspectives on implementing information systems control in the organization, conducting specialized training for colleagues on data privacy, emphasizing adoption and use of frameworks to contribute to policymaking and externally participating participated in the submission of memoranda on data privacy, cybersecurity, and ICT practitioner bills and regulations because of the knowledge I acquired and the technical expertise the certifications exposed me to.
Additionally, with ISACA being a global organization and its emphasis on inclusion, diversity and equity, the ISACA community has enhanced our visibility and contribution to the profession through volunteering. Volunteering with ISACA has propelled our careers and enabled us to build professional networks with like-minded professionals, which has also offered us a great chance to learn from other experts. We have been honored to mentor those interested in our respective domains. We have served in different leadership roles including chapter leadership on our local chapters and in ISACA Global leadership and advisory groups.
Adham: Some of my most beneficial opportunities and key contributions with ISACA in 2021 was participating in ISACA’s Governance of Enterprise Information & Technology Advisory Group 2021, as a board member for the ISACA Amman Chapter, and contributing to ISACA’s Data Science Study Guide 1st Edition as SME reviewer, which is one of five study guides for ISACA’s ITCA stackable certification, as well as ISACA’s Information and Technology Risk Advisory Group 2022.
Veronica: I confidently assert that indeed “I am ISACA” because all I have been able to achieve in my career so far is linked with my engagement with ISACA. From earning highly recognized certifications to joining a global community that I refer to as family has been a journey worth putting on record. I have served in different capacities including chapter committees, chapter board, awards review groups, mentorship pilot projects, certification review projects, One In Tech initiatives, and am currently serving as Director on the 2021-2022 ISACA Board of Directors.
We have found our involvement in various ISACA activities as a runway for our career growth and it has guided our career paths in the right direction even more than we envisioned. #IamISACA
