ICM333-Emerging Leaders in Finance: Applied Professional Development

Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Available only for students on MSc Finance and MSc Investment Management
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Mike Smith
Email: m.j.smith@icmacentre.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is designed to offer programme participants a deeper understanding of the financial industry and the skills that make a financial professional succeed in a fast-paced world. The module is jointly delivered by skilled career development professionals, leading ICMAC academics and renowned industry practitioners. The aim of the module is for participants to develop a bespoke career progression plan based on their strengths assessment, behavioural career psychology, future of work knowledge and comprehensive research of the employment market they are interested in. Through the module students will have the opportunity to enhance key employability skills sought after by employers. The module comprises a series of specialist masterclasses and group workshops and is assessed by a 2,000 word reflective project. 



 


Aims:

The aim of the module is to provide a platform for participants to reflect on their strengths, skills and careers development plan, thus preparing them for a career in their area of interest and enhancing their chances of securing a placement or full-time role after graduation.


Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will be expected to be able to: 




  • Reflect on the employment market in their area of interest, the ingredients of career success, the future of work in this area and the impact of frontier technologies on professionals entering the field.

  • Critically evaluate own skills and strengths by undertaking behavioural psychology analysis, and how to leverage these to make an impact and gain success. 

  • Develop practical skills that employers look for such as clarity of thinking, relationship and network building and creative approaches to problem solving.

  • Build a comprehensive bespoke progression plan/strategy.


Additional outcomes:

Outline content:


  • Overview of employment market in finance and investment management and ingredients of career success within different sub-segments 

  • Strengths assessment, reflection and impact on career outcomes. Self presentation

  • Building effective relationships and networks 

  • Building blocks of an effective career progression plan


Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered by a series of interactive masterclasses and workshops.



 


Contact hours:
  Autumn Spring Summer
Practicals classes and workshops 15
Guided independent study:      
    Wider reading (directed) 15
    Preparation for presentations 10
    Group study tasks 15
    Essay preparation 20
    Reflection 25
       
Total hours by term 100 0 0
       
Total hours for module 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Method Percentage
Written assignment including essay 100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A 2000 word reflective report  on your career strategy. Submission deadline end of the Autumn semester.


Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy “Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes”, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.



 


Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum mark of 50%.


Reassessment arrangements:

Project resubmission


Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 27 September 2023

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.

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