In order to become accredited, a candidate must demonstrate the ability to plan, direct, implement and evaluate a broad range of communication programs in practical, real-life situations. Jacqui Marshall-Clarke has shown an understanding of the philosophy of organizational communication and the role of the professional communicator in assisting today’s organizations with meeting their goals and objectives.

Mrs Marshall-Clarke has been employed with The Barbados Light & Power Company since 2007 as Corporate Communications Coordinator and has worked in the area of Communication, Marketing and Public Relations for over 15 years. She has also been a member of the International Association of Business Communicators’ Barbados Chapter from its inception.

IABC’s accreditation process measures the strategic abilities and technical skills of a communicator. The process consists of rigorous evaluation that identifies and recognizes highly qualified, well-rounded communicators through a review of their portfolio of work, and through written and oral examinations. Candidates who meet the requirements of the process earn the ABC designation.

“This is the global standard for organizational communication professionals around the world,” said Gloria Walker, ABC, FRSA, chair of the IABC accreditation council.

“Through this process of application, portfolio preparation and examination, Marshall-Clarke’s work and communication acumen have been reviewed and evaluated by at least eight peers to determine if she meets that standard. It is a professional accomplishment that she has met the standard, but moreover it is a personal statement about the value she brings to her workplace.”

“We see accreditation as an integral part of IABC’s commitment to the education of its members and the development of the profession in general. The accreditation program is a gateway to learning and advancing the practice of strategic communication management,” said IABC Executive Director, Chris Sorek. “Research confirms the value of accreditation to both individuals and employers, providing credibility to our members and the profession.”

In a recent study of ABCs in seven countries, a large majority of the respondents said that becoming accredited improved their résumés, increased their confidence, enhanced their credibility and gave them peer approval and recognition. A majority of current and former supervisors who participated in the study said ABCs provided more credibility to their departments or organizations, while a majority of clients perceived ABCs as having an increased understanding of effective communication practices.