Developing FM
Recognition for your hard work PDF Print E-mail
Written by Anna Lemmon, Institute of Administrative Management (iam), 2008   

Do you feel that you work hard, are important to your team, go beyond the call of duty and yet no one appreciates your contribution? Anna Lemmon of the Institute of Administrative Management (iam) explains how to help make people aware of your achievements and your value to them.

  • What different levels of membership are offered by the iam?
  • How can the iam help your professional development?

Professional membership of an institute provides recognition of your experience and all that you have achieved.

Those of us who aren't doctors, accountants or industry specialists with their own institute, need an organisation dedicated to business administrators and management professionals at all levels.

And there is one: The Institute of Administrative Management (iam) represents business administration and management professionals across the world.

We provide our members with the knowledge and qualifications that lead to enhanced performance, greater recognition and improved career opportunities.

Membership of the iam is recognised by a wide range of employers and government bodies. It is a prerequisite for those wishing to advance their career in business administration.

iam members have access to the latest tools that provide up-to-date industry insights, as well as the opportunity to share best practice and benefit from the collective experience of a global network of business administration and management professionals.

Professional membership of the iam sets you apart from other practitioners in the field of administrative management.

It provides recognition of your skills and experience, access to information about best practice in the field, career development and networking opportunities.

The prestige associated with membership of a professional institute will also generate recognition amongst your colleagues and with your employer.

Membership of the iam also includes access to our members' benefits package including our free legal helpline, tax advice, discounts off major high street brands, private health care and specially designed Open University courses.

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Table 1. iam members' benefits package.

The iam is the only professional body in the UK specialising in the promotion of administrative management in the fields of commerce, industry and the public sector.

Our membership includes directors, accountants and company secretaries, people concerned with specialist functions, general managers and executives with administrative responsibilities in both the public and private sector.

Membership levels - something for everyone


Membership is available to administrators and managers at every level and in all professions.

Associate (AInstAM)

Associate Membership is open to individuals who:
  1. Have been employed for two years or more in any business where their duties involve the management of business administration;
  2. Hold the iam Diploma in Administrative Management.

Associate Members of the Institute are eligible to use the designatory letters AInstAM. Upon successful completion of the Diploma, students automatically gain the grade of Associate.

Member (MInstAM)

Full Membership is open to individuals who:
  1. Have been employed for five years or more in any business where their duties involve the management of business administration;
  2. Hold either the iam Advanced Diploma in Administrative Management or the BA(Hons) Strategic Administrative Management.

Full Members of the Institute are eligible to use the designatory letters MInstAM. Upon successful completion of the Advanced Diploma or BA(Hons), students automatically gain the grade of Member.

Fellow (FInstAM)

Fellowship of the iam is open to full Members who have held continuous membership for at least five years. Fellows of the Institute are eligible to use the designatory letters FInstAM.

On occasion, the iam will accept applications for direct entry to Fellowship when the applicant's experience and achievements merit the status of iam Fellow.

Student

Student membership is included within the registration process for anyone studying for iam qualifications.

Case study: how the iam can help your professional development


Debbie Shawcross FInstAM (Dip) is a great exponent of lifelong learning, and a good example of what the iam could do for you.

Ten years ago, Debbie began studying a business programme but really wasn't happy with the course content: "It didn't seem to make any difference at all," she said.

Debbie searched for more appropriate qualifications and found the iam's Diploma in Administrative Management. She was working full-time as an administrator and the modular structure of the course seemed ideal for her busy life.

She says: "The iam's Diploma helped me get good jobs - doors opened for me, and my confidence grew. My graduation ceremony was a great experience too - my family were so proud."

Debbie was promoted to Manager at her firm. She also found time to fit in a law degree and two children as well as her job.

Eventually she set up her own business (Driveway Designs) and enjoyed becoming involved in all aspects of the business.

Recently, she completed a full-time post-graduate course in law, and she is now planning to start both the iam's new BA degree when it becomes available later this year, and one of the iam/OU short courses designed specially for members.

Although with her company to run and her children (of which there are now three), it's not easy to fit it all in.

Debbie says, "I would never have come so far without the iam's Diploma as a starting point. It taught me how to study and how to divide my time - skills I really need now! There's no question that it set me on the right trail.”

“I have remained a professional member as I still find my membership invaluable - the information on the website is useful to me at work and with three children and a slowdown in the economy, the special offers and the discounts are all put to good use, regularly!" she says.

Debbie is a shining example of what an iam membership, a qualification in administrative management plus a lot of hard work and dedication can help you achieve.

As well as her membership, Debbie values her qualification from the iam. Previous articles in Facilities Manager have covered these in greater detail as well as the importance of studying qualifications recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

Summary


The iam is over 90 years old and has developed tailor-made qualifications in administrative management that reflect the skills and knowledge required by professional business leaders throughout their careers.

The iam offers a range of qualifications, from an introduction to the subject up to a BA(Hons) degree. The iam's programmes are designed to both stand alone and fit together logically: there is a clear link between each level, meaning that you can build on your prior learning and your growing work experience.

Qualifications are delivered around the world in a network of specialised centres or via online learning.

Those studying for iam qualifications are given free student membership of the Institute, and on completion will be able to claim full professional membership.

Further information


Please visit www.instam.org/ or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

About the author


Anna Lemmon is the Director of Education at the iam, where she heads up the iam awarding body. Previously she worked at the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), most recently as Principal Officer for Business Education.

Anna's specialism lies in 11-19 education where she has teaching and management experience in schools and colleges across the UK and in Europe. Anna has taught and delivered both academic and vocational courses and has written a wide range of training materials.
 
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