Letters after your name

[NW Law]

I dont put LLB on anything of mine - like the other posters have said - if you're a solicitor it's pretty obvious. I just put "Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor". That says it all.

I am however thinking of adding:

GDB OTM- general dogsbody & office tea maker

Any others?

 

[Zeno]

It's like in "Only Fools And Horses"

I am a Director called "DIC" working for a company called "TIT".

 

[NW Law]

My hubby knows someone whose company name is T.I.T.S

V funny!

 

[F1SEO]

I also tend to think that a lot of people have Degrees these days so I don't use this very much at all because I don't think it carries much weight.

My PhD I will add if I think it will get me somehwere, for example talking to a CEO of a company. This tends to get a better route into a meeting. When I get to the meeting I think they expect to meet some professor with sandals and riding a bike so when I arrive as a normal human being it puts them at ease.

I've found that once i'm in a meeting I never need to use it, and if I did it would probably make me look big headed. So I just sit and listen to their problems and work out how I can help them.

I have been asked many times about my background so I mention my qualifications then but I make a point of letting them ask rather than me telling.

I'm rambling a bit here but I would say I don't use them, unless asked.

 

[Kay]

I never bother but I'm self-employed (without clients) and don't need to try to impress anyone. I doubt if people would be impressed anyway.

 

[reggiemental]

I don't think there's anything wrong at all with using your title, if you've earned it.

It's taken me 38 years to get my bronze swimming certificate, and I'm very proud of it.

Paul, BSc

 

[Mattonella Tile Studio]

The only time I use my LLB (Hons) is when I'm writing a letter of complaint.

 

[thirtyb]

I have found this thread very helpful with some very interesting arguments. I agree that it seems that there is not really any special merit in obtaining any old degree - from what I have seen correct spelling and grammar is not a prerequisite for a pass (however it will affect the grading).

I have spent the last five years working full-time and studying part-time to get a first class degree in Building Surveying. Until I complete a further two years APC I will not be Chartered by the RICS.

I can see the point that if it is pertinent to the job or makes you stick out in a business that is not particularly known for being a chartered/professional industry then letters should be used and if not, don't bother. I really wouldn't be too chuffed at having my accounts done by an "Artist" or is that creative accountancy?

I obtained my results today and have achieved the first class honours degree that I set out for from day one. Woohoo! And yes, I do want to shout it from the rooftops. Which is why, I suppose, I found my way to this forum.

I do work in a business that is not chartered and some may think not even very professional - Estate Agency. I am not an Estate Agent or, I hasten to add ashamed of the company I work for who are professional, honest and hard working (you guessed it - we're independent and NOT Foxtons) I manage property and act as a surveyor within the agency. Displaying BSc (Hons) after my name does not give my clients any idea that I am qualified to do my job or that I am a trainee Building Surveyor, it could after all refer to an IT qualification or any other scientific subject. Nor, does displaying the letters after my name set me apart from the remaining 88% (approximate statistics) of students that will be awarded 2:1's, 2:2's and third class degrees. It is that "first class" that has added credibility and an amount of merit to the degree that is considered undervalued. It shows that I can spell - even without a spell check gizmo, that I can think for myself and present ideas of my own without copying passages of text from other academics, it shows that I am not a cheat (as my other pals did not get first's), that I can be a professional and also that at the grand old age of 42 this old dog can be taught new tricks.

So as much as I want to shout it from the rooftops, I feel it would be better to add my date of birth or age after my name as that goes some way to explain that I can communicate in other ways apart from txt spk (that's text speak I think), that my education and my 'O' Levels were worth more than modern day 'A' Levels. Until I get to be a member or fellow of RICS my name will remain unadorned. My job title on my business cards and under my name on my letters will inform the people I deal with what my role is and the way that I behave, the professionalism I portray and the effectiveness with which I carry out my day to day tasks will continue to be the only proof of my competences.

I will finish this long post by adding that although this is my personal preference I would not judge or think badly of anyone who chooses to put letters after their names but it would always be helpful to know that those letters relate to the service they are offering. If you want to do it, just because like me, you're proud of your achievement and want to tell the world, go for it and stuff anyone that doesn't like it. )

 

[Faith28]

In my field its relevant

MSci, PGCE, QTS

the end

 

[The Doctor]

Debretts Modern Ettiquette states that post-nominal letters should be used when one is admitted to a Royal College or Chartered Institution together with the qualifying degree of admission, otherwise they are a matter of personal preference. Having been in the clergy and having qualified in law and medicine different people expect different things from me, although it usually boils down to free advice! I have acquired four degrees and several PGDL's as well as memberships of organisations and Royal Colleges and I use three business cards, one for legal clients, one for medical clients and one for personal contacts. The personal card carries my name only but the two professional cards carry the appropriate post-nominals to confirm in the mind of the individual that I am bona-fide and verifiable.

It is this last comment that is most important, if you are holding youself out as a professional, you must eb verifiable and by using the post-nominals it confirms in the clients mind that your qualifications ahve been verfied by your regulator and you are above board.

Ken Dodd has the job description "Sausage Knotter " on his business card and Al Capone had the title 'Second Hand Furniture Salesman' so make of those what you will!

 

[miketombs]

if you are holding youself out as a professional, you must eb verifiable and by using the post-nominals it confirms in the clients mind that your qualifications ahve been verfied by your regulator and you are above board.

No it doesn't. It proves that you have had letters printed on your card - post-nominal ones at that. It certainly doesn't confirm that you are above board.

 

[Simon-M]

No it doesn't. It proves that you have had letters printed on your card - post-nominal ones at that. It certainly doesn't confirm that you are above board.

TAXI for Dr Harrold Shipman

 

[HypnosisFetishUK]

Hi
In my normal hypnosis role (ie not the sex hypnosis help) I may put PhD after my real name. I do have other credentials too, but to list them all starts to look a bit big headed.

The only problem with initials I have found is that you may find yourself getting 20 questions about the qualification that maybe you received 10 years ago, and it does get a bit tedios.

Xander
HypnosisFetish.co.uk

 

[pcbranding]

From a design point of view, it's a real 'no no' to use initials after your name unless you've been through post-graduate education such as being at the Royal College of Art.
Design degrees give you the skills/opportunity, but it's experience that adds to your CV.

 

[The Doctor]

It is typical for an accountant to be frustrated but kindly note that what I actually wrote was that the individual can be verified notthat they were verified, so please calm dwn and learn to read things properly. In my profession it is important becasue to practise without certain qualification is illegal whereas in most professions qualifications are not legally required by statute.

 

[Zeno]

It is typical for an accountant to be frustrated but kindly note that what I actually wrote was that the individual can be verified notthat they were verified, so please calm dwn and learn to read things properly. In my profession it is important becasue to practise without certain qualification is illegal whereas in most professions qualifications are not legally required by statute.

I think Mike made a valid point. You can have any number of qualifications, awards etc and still be crooked.

You must be the only person in the UK that could kill a person through misdiagnosis, defend yourself at your hearing then perform the service to bury the poor sod afterwards. Three fee notes too most likely.

 

[Delta-SI]

It's all a bit like being thanked on this forum, it looks impressive but actually means nothing at the end of the day.

I actually have a nice little giggle when people put their letters after their name, I really can't be bothered to put mine on my business cards or email signatures. I am sure if people want to know they can ask me.

 

[Dawg]

It is typical for an accountant to be frustrated but kindly note that what I actually wrote was that the individual can be verified notthat they were verified, so please calm dwn and learn to read things properly. In my profession it is important becasue to practise without certain qualifications is illegal whereas in most professions qualifications are not legally required by statute.

With that attention to detail I'm glad you are not my lawyer. Or doctor.

 

[Delta-SI]

It is typical for an accountant to be frustrated but kindly note that what I actually wrote was that the individual can be verified notthat they were verified, so please calm dwn and learn to read things properly. In my profession it is important becasue to practise without certain qualification is illegal whereas in most professions qualifications are not legally required by statute.

Ohh Doctors.

It's like the old joke,
What's the difference between God and a Doctor?
God doesn't think he's a doctor.

 

I dont put mine on cards but sometimes on letters depends who too though
chris nangle MA Ba hons lsdc LOL

 

[Peter Bowen]

I use my alphabet only when writing to the kids school. I'm told it impresses the teachers.

 

I have had lots of letters after my name.

But none of them every caught me.:|

Earl

 

[KidsBeeHappy]

I have had lots of letters after my name.

But none of them every caught me.:|

Earl

Avt
Renewable energy
SEO
Expert

 

[easyasit]

sorry i did post, but see i already did so
apologies!

 

[lizerazou]

I Googled the very subject being discussed here, so I thought I'd add my comment....

I have achieved my position as a marketing professional purely on the basis of hard work and gradual work experience, as I never had more than 2 A levels when I entered the job market. However, recently I was given the opportunity to study whilst working and at 32, am now the proud owner of an MA (in Marketing - and with Distinction!) I am proud of this, and it took me 3 years to do whilst working full time. This tempts me to use it!

My query was whether or not I could put my MA initials on my work-related email signature? (in smaller text) I too don't want to look like a silly show-off, so have until now avoided putting letters on anything yet - although when I re-print my business cards I think I definitely will add them in...)

 

[cjd]

recently I was given the opportunity to study whilst working and at 32, am now the proud owner of an MA (in Marketing - and with Distinction!) I am proud of this, and it took me 3 years to do whilst working full time.

Bloody well done!

My query was whether or not I could put my MA initials on my work-related email signature? (in smaller text) I too don't want to look like a silly show-off,

You have your answer ;-)

 

[Simon-M]

I think this really depends on your clientel. If I was a plastic surgeon then I would expect my customers to be interested in my letters. Not that they would know what they meant but just for comfort. Doctors are a cert for me. You have to look at your customers and decide how they would react to this. If the answer is not at all as I would suspect for most people then what's the point. Use them if you will get an advantage in doing so.

Simon (P.R.A.T)

 

[Crocodile]

I have found this thread very helpful with some very interesting arguments. I agree that it seems that there is not really any special merit in obtaining any old degree - from what I have seen correct spelling and grammar is not a prerequisite for a pass (however it will affect the grading).

I have spent the last five years working full-time and studying part-time to get a first class degree in Building Surveying. Until I complete a further two years APC I will not be Chartered by the RICS.

I can see the point that if it is pertinent to the job or makes you stick out in a business that is not particularly known for being a chartered/professional industry then letters should be used and if not, don't bother. I really wouldn't be too chuffed at having my accounts done by an "Artist" or is that creative accountancy?

I obtained my results today and have achieved the first class honours degree that I set out for from day one. Woohoo! And yes, I do want to shout it from the rooftops. Which is why, I suppose, I found my way to this forum.

I do work in a business that is not chartered and some may think not even very professional - Estate Agency. I am not an Estate Agent or, I hasten to add ashamed of the company I work for who are professional, honest and hard working (you guessed it - we're independent and NOT Foxtons) I manage property and act as a surveyor within the agency. Displaying BSc (Hons) after my name does not give my clients any idea that I am qualified to do my job or that I am a trainee Building Surveyor, it could after all refer to an IT qualification or any other scientific subject. Nor, does displaying the letters after my name set me apart from the remaining 88% (approximate statistics) of students that will be awarded 2:1's, 2:2's and third class degrees. It is that "first class" that has added credibility and an amount of merit to the degree that is considered undervalued. It shows that I can spell - even without a spell check gizmo, that I can think for myself and present ideas of my own without copying passages of text from other academics, it shows that I am not a cheat (as my other pals did not get first's), that I can be a professional and also that at the grand old age of 42 this old dog can be taught new tricks.

So as much as I want to shout it from the rooftops, I feel it would be better to add my date of birth or age after my name as that goes some way to explain that I can communicate in other ways apart from txt spk (that's text speak I think), that my education and my 'O' Levels were worth more than modern day 'A' Levels. Until I get to be a member or fellow of RICS my name will remain unadorned. My job title on my business cards and under my name on my letters will inform the people I deal with what my role is and the way that I behave, the professionalism I portray and the effectiveness with which I carry out my day to day tasks will continue to be the only proof of my competences.

I will finish this long post by adding that although this is my personal preference I would not judge or think badly of anyone who chooses to put letters after their names but it would always be helpful to know that those letters relate to the service they are offering. If you want to do it, just because like me, you're proud of your achievement and want to tell the world, go for it and stuff anyone that doesn't like it. )

Congratulations on the first class degree.
It says you can stick to the programme consistently and achieve what you set out to more than anything else.

I always thought putting letters after your name was something you tried out once on passing your first degree or professional qualification. Fun for five minutes and then you let it go and move on. You get to a point in later life when the long list of acronyms begins to look slightly absurd.

I did toy with the idea of putting BPBW (Blue Peter Badge Winner) on my business cards for a while, just to see the baffled look on others faces when exchanging cards Shame I didn't.

 

[Stephen Berry]

.........I did toy with the idea of putting BPBW (Blue Peter Badge Winner) on my business cards for a while,..

I always aspired to be a BPBW but never made it - I've been struggling with the personal failure ever since (the feeling of personal failure was partially eroded when I later rose to the dizzy heights of milk monitor in 3B).

 

[drainman]

can i put nvq it does not have that certain ring to it does it think i will just stick with my name

 

[Wendy.Rule]

I figure that it depends where you are doing business and how important it is to show you have qualification(s) - essential that an accountant and lawyer have demonstrated that they have been trained (at the very least).

Worldwide it can be very different. If you want to do business in Asia then qualifications are important and give status - which is one of the critical recognition factors. In many other places it appears pretentious to add the degree to your business card. I have a degree but not relevant to my current job so really tricky to work out whether it should be added as a recognition even in Asia.

Also it depends how you feel about it. If it is a possible point of discussion when you are handing over your business card and you are dealing with people who are also likely to be similarly qualified then go for it.

Critical for your CV however.

 

[biomed86]

Interesting thread. I thought about putting letters after my name on business cards for a few minutes, then decided against it, because it's completely unrelated and unnecessary for my business, and most likely wouldn't make any difference to potential customers!
I can understand though why lawyers, accountants etc would put down their qualifications, I can imagine it adds to the professional look and probably adds value/credit to the individual.
No doubt I can't wait to put Dr in front of my name when I qualify in a million years time! (it seems)

 

[vvaannmmaann]

My "Certificate of Enrolement" from Canterbury's Officially Clean Kitchens seemed like a good idea at the time.

 

[avantime]

I have a BA (hons) in Fine Art - should I put BA in FA after my name?!!!

(It's true as well!!)

 

[Robs]

The IFS school of finance's Financial World Mag had a article about letters after your name they came to a conclusion that if you 3-6 titles after your name, it just confuse people and does not does provide any benefit for you.

They Call alphabet soup. Don't think you can read it as you got be a member but the chairman is replying to an objection of his article in Financial world here https://www.financialworld.co.uk/Archive/2008/2008_02feb/Comment/letters_online/13823.cfm

I have Cemap for my mortgage advisor qualification after my name, by end of august i will have:

CeFa Certificate for financial advisers
Adv Cemap Advanced Certificate in Mortgage Advice and practice
CeReR certificate in equity release
CeRCC Certififcate in regulated customer care
ARL alternative residential lending

believe it or not the last three qualifications make up the Adv Cemap qualifications.

and now the fsa says with its rdr i have to gain a DipPFS® or DipFa or equivalent and probably by the time this G20 summit has come to light no doubt i will have to another which means more letters. its an alphabet soup. provides no real info for the client and says look at me. But i do admit it does feel good


So it would look like by time i have finished

Rob Sale Cemap, Adv Cemap, CeFa, CeRCC, ArL, CeReR, Dipfa

it would just put you off my business card to honest it probably would kill any sale once they look at the business card.

if decided I might just use it if i end up in the top end of financial advice but if i am advising a bricki on a pension, he would be intimidated or think I'm a right Prat.

As balance i decided to just put two on my card Adv cemap and Cefa.

At the end of the day its not about me, its about the client.

it depends on the the sector you are in and what type of personality and image you have.