Compliance - how to get first job in this field?

[Minta85]

Hello everyone. I’m interested in moving into a compliance role and would be grateful for any insights on what would make me a strong candidate in the eyes of hiring managers/possible interview questions/how to acquire relevant experience.

I currently work in an operational role in a regulated industry. Before this, I was an editor and proofreader, and my degree was in English Literature.

Compliance of what? There's lots of different kinds/fields.

What compliance? Financial? Regulatory? Environmental? Quality? Health & Safety?

Each of those requires a vastly different focus. I would say that your Operational Experience is likely to be a big boost to your chances, but you may need to look at getting some sort of Course/Qualification to help shift you into the Compliance function.

Dyrne Thanks for your reply. Not Environmental, but I’m interested in exploring possibilities in other areas. Would I need to specialise in a particular type of compliance immediately?

My current employer is an exam board, in case this could be relevant.

Depends on the type of compliance and the industry.

Do you want to stay in your current industry? Have you researched the type of tiles available? E.g. in financial services, large firms will have various compliance teams involved in advisory work, monitoring/assurance, regulatory interpretation, regulatory relations, conduct risk management etc. All involve a different skillset but require a sound understanding of the regulatory landscape in which your firm operates.

It's a very vast area so you need to think about what type of role you want to do first

So the compliance issues we deal with include suspected malpractice cases.

Thanks Violetroselily. I like my current industry (education/assessment), but wonder if it might be too niche. I’d like to be in an area which is in demand in the wider employment market.

I work in a compliance type role. It's related to a specific banking regulation and requirements so I have a deep understanding of those requirements and what they mean for my company. I came to the role from a more operational team and a controls role. The most common routes to join compliance are either from the area that needs to comply / the area we review or people with audit experience. I wouldn't say I could switch to another compliance team so I don't see 'compliance' as one broad industry. I'm a specialist in my regulation, not in compliance.

Ok, so how are those cases dealt with at your work? Are there investigators who will look into them and do interviews, evidence gathering etc? If so, there are investigative practice qualifications that you can do and which are transferable across different sectors (public and private)

I would say you’re well positioned to look at some auditing courses and qualifications - how good is your company at offering development opportunities? Is there any way you could blag some sort of course from them to say it will help you in your current role?

Alternatively, if you’re happy to throw some money at qualifications, i’d recommend starting with auditing, as it’s the most ‘generic’ that you could apply to many different industries.

Thank you to everyone for your helpful suggestions and advice.