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If your company has a compliance program, then your first step is to examine its makeup. Look for compliance program elements like a code of conduct and helpline. A common misconception is that helplines are only for reporting crimes; In most cases you can call the helpline with serious questions about the program. Talk to people working in the program. Take advantage of any training offered by the compliance office, and perhaps even volunteer to help in the compliance office (or with compliance efforts in your unit).
If there is not a compliance program in your company, or you are looking for more information, networking with compliance professionals outside of work is an invaluable resource. Call the compliance staff at other companies in your industry. Compliance people tend to be open and communicative, due in part to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines requirement for programs to meet industry practice; In order to determine what industry practice is, we need to know what others are doing. Also speak to any compliance vendors your company hires.
There are a variety of membership organizations that serve compliance professionals by sponsoring forums, and by offering education/training and publications. Attending a Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) or Ethics and Compliance Officer Association (ECOA) event is an excellent way to meet other compliance people and discuss the field. Many industries or regions boast compliance and ethics organizations, and there are also many other non-profits that provide great resources. The Society of Financial Service Professionals is just one example of an organization offering ethics resources (including a hotline).
In addition to networking, read about compliance topics. You can augment your perceived value by being a source of useful information and ideas, much of which you can get by paying attention to the relevant literature. There are several publications with how-to information and war stories (scandals) that will serve as a good starting point, such as Compliance and Ethics Magazine (www.corporatecompliance.org), Ethikos (www.singerpubs.com/ethikos), and the book The Smartest Guys in the Room.
Another obvious step is to receive training or education. If your company has no training, look to the membership organizations and service providers that do provide it. A highly regarded course, "Managing Ethics in Organizations," is offered at Bentley College. The Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics now offers an academy, and has a certification program for those interested in becoming "Certified Ethics and Compliance Professionals" (CCEP). In getting training, you may be tempted to focus on one area of risk. This can make you more appealing to certain employers or in certain industries, but it may also pigeonhole you if you are not careful.
Other skills to possess or develop are important management skills such as public speaking, selling, and the ability to lead meetings and get results. Most of these skills can be developed through practice or even a class at a local community college.
Finally, your character and your social skills will be major parts of getting and succeeding in a compliance position. Integrity and good reputation are paramount in this field, but you must also recognize the value of benchmarking and obtaining buy-in for ideas and documents before you push them in your company.
Conclusion
If the idea of moving into another field or specialization has been weighing on your mind, or if you are looking for a way to turn your skills and experience into a more satisfying career, spend some time researching compliance and ethics. Make some calls and ask lots of questions. Do your homework. This is a challenging field that has been attracting many of your peers. With great opportunities and an open, supportive community, you may find that a career in compliance and ethics is just the job you look forward to every Monday morning.
