How can a Corporate Communications professional transition to investor relations?

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

The first step to transition to IR is to assess your current skills and knowledge and identify where you need to improve or learn. You can use online tools, such as the NIRI Competency Framework, to benchmark yourself against the core competencies of IR professionals. Some of the areas you might need to focus on are financial analysis, valuation, disclosure, governance, and regulation. You can also review job descriptions and profiles of IR professionals to get a sense of the expectations and requirements of the role.

2 Pursue relevant education and certification

The next step is to pursue relevant education and certification to enhance your credibility and competence in IR. You can enroll in online or in-person courses, workshops, or programs that cover the fundamentals of finance, accounting, and IR. Some examples are the CFA Institute Investment Foundations Program, the NYU Certificate in Investor Relations, or the Ivey Investor Relations Program. You can also consider obtaining a professional certification, such as the Investor Relations Charter (IRC), which demonstrates your mastery of the IR body of knowledge and adherence to ethical standards.

3 Network and learn from IR professionals

Another important step is to network and learn from IR professionals who can offer you valuable insights, advice, and opportunities. You can join professional associations, such as the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) or the Canadian Investor Relations Institute (CIRI), and attend their events, webinars, and conferences. You can also reach out to IR professionals on LinkedIn or other platforms and ask for informational interviews, mentorship, or referrals. You can also follow IR blogs, podcasts, and newsletters to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in IR.

4 Showcase your transferable skills and achievements

The final step is to showcase your transferable skills and achievements that can make you a strong candidate for IR roles. You can highlight your communication, presentation, writing, and media relations skills, as well as your experience in developing and executing corporate communications strategies, managing stakeholder relationships, and handling crisis situations. You can also showcase your financial literacy, analytical thinking, and business acumen by providing examples of how you have used or applied these skills in your Corporate Communications projects or initiatives.

Transitioning to IR from Corporate Communications can be a rewarding and challenging career move. By following these steps, you can prepare yourself for the IR role and demonstrate your value to potential employers or clients.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?