Manchester Metropolitan University recently welcomed a cohort of MSc Financial Technology students from the Philippines as part of an international study tour. These students, enrolled part-time with one of our global partners, are professionals working across diverse finance-related industries and share a common ambition: to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic job market.
A recurring theme throughout the study tour was employability and continuing professional development (CPD) – an important topic not only in the United Kingdom but globally. During the visit, we were hosted by Darren Earnshaw (Technical Director at Barclays) and his team at Barclays Technology Centre Radbroke. Their insights were invaluable, emphasising the importance of adaptability, proactive learning, and cultivating a growth mindset where CPD is central to career success. The majority of employers we engage with consistently reinforce a key message: professionals who actively engage in CPD are better positioned to seize opportunities and achieve long-term success.
The accounting and finance profession has long recognised CPD as essential for maintaining competence and credibility. It ensures practitioners remain current with evolving regulations, technological advancements, and industry trends. CPD also underpins career progression, ethical practice, and the ability to deliver value to businesses and clients. Yet, despite its importance, engagement remains inconsistent across the profession. This raises a critical question: why do some professionals neglect CPD despite its clear benefits?
At Manchester Metropolitan University, we are addressing this challenge by embedding employability and CPD into the core of our Accounting and Finance programmes. Our approach is holistic, aiming not only to equip students with technical expertise but also to foster a mindset of lifelong learning and professional growth.
Our approach is underpinned by a skills-based approach to enhance students’ CPD journey. This begins with completing a strengths profile, which helps students identify their core strengths, learned behaviours, and areas for growth. Research shows that leveraging individual strengths is a key driver of engagement, which correlates strongly with improved retention and long-term career success. By reflecting on their profiles, students are empowered to set targeted, meaningful development goals. This approach not only fosters autonomy and ownership of learning but also aligns with our mission to cultivate lifelong learners who are prepared for the dynamic demands of professional practice.
Our employability framework:
- Year 1: students undertake a compulsory professional development unit focused on self-assessment, goal setting, and skills mapping. This includes a virtual internship, ensuring inclusive access to practical experience.
- Year 2: emphasis shifts to career readiness through CV development, LinkedIn optimisation, and active engagement with placement opportunities. A mock assessment centre forms part of the final assessment, simulating real-world recruitment processes.
- Final year: career resources are integrated into weekly learning, covering networking strategies, application techniques, and employer engagement. Students benefit from employer and alumni panels, creating direct links to industry.
The Faculty Employability Lead for the Business School, Anna Hardy-Watmough FCA, is also a Reader in Finance and Economics and leads the employability pillar in the Accounting and Finance programme. She is involved with ICAEW in the region and uses her knowledge of the CPD requirements for ICAEW members to inform teaching practice and the structure of employability content. On the topic of CPD she said ‘being aware of CPD during their studies will allow our students to be confident in engaging in this when they are part of the workforce. CPD is an integral part of development for any finance professional, and here at Manchester Metropolitan University we embed this to ensure that our students understand the benefits of CPD when they move into their graduate roles.’
Students are increasingly recognising the importance of engaging with continuing professional development (CPD). Embedding employability within the curriculum has had a significant impact, resulting in a 183% increase in students declaring themselves ‘career ready’ at the start of their final year. This integration not only enhances confidence but also equips students with practical skills for success in professional environments. As one second-year student on the BSc Accounting and Finance programme reflects, this approach has transformed her CPD journey—boosting confidence in professional settings, encouraging proactive pursuit of opportunities, and fostering supportive, goal-aligned networks.
Our mission extends beyond preparing students for immediate employment. We aim to cultivate a professional culture that values CPD as a lifelong commitment. CPD is not merely a regulatory requirement but a strategic tool for career acceleration. ICEAW offers a variety of opportunities for CPD and encourages all aspiring professionals to ‘get involved, take part, and accelerate your career.’
*the views expressed are the author’s and not ICAEW’s