My ICIR Journey - Jana Manlangit

Tell us a little about your background – what were you doing before you moved into IR?
Prior to taking on the IR role, I was part of the corporate planning department at JG Summit Holdings, Inc., one of the largest conglomerate in the Philippines. My previous responsibilities were related to strategy and merger and acquisition projects. Having a breadth of experience in M&A, I have decided to focus my career further in the investor relations landscape at Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, a leading infrastructure company in the Philippines. 

How did you find the process of studying for the International Certificate in IR (ICIR) qualification? 
Undertaking any exam or certification is always daunting. However, the study materials provided by the IR Society alleviated the pressure in my preparation for the exam. The information and topics discussed were structured to be easily digestible. 

What would you say to anyone who was thinking of studying for the International Certificate in IR?
As we recognise that the IR function continues to be dynamic, adhering to certain professional standards is an edge in the workplace. I highly encourage you to pursue the ICIR as it is vital to keep ourselves abreast with the latest updates on regulation and global best practices. Being an IR professional goes beyond clear articulation of the financial aspect of a business, but also effectively addressing the concerns of investors. Having said that, going through the certification process is a great exercise to equip future IR professionals to foster impeccable communication between the company's top management and its shareholders.