CIPD Student Stories: Lauren Smith | CIPD Level 3 & 5 Review

Lauren was looking to advance her career and decided to take on a CIPD Level 3 Certificate in People Practice followed by a CIPD Level 5 Diploma. Find out more about how she got on.

I'm an HR Coordinator at Balmoral Tanks, a leading European engineering design and manufacturing company.

Having completed my CIPD Level 3 Certificate last year with ICS Learn, I decided to take the next step and enrolled on the CIPD level 5 Diploma.

With working full time, I needed a course which was online, flexible to suit my needs, and able to work around my busy schedule. The main reason I chose ICS Learn was that I'm able to study at my own pace and submit assignments freely.

Once the support period is up you can also pay to extend the course which I had to do a few times when completing the Level 3 qualification.

Using ICS Learn was my first experience with online learning as previously I had completed apprenticeships and always had a tutor who would visit me and would always be available to help.

I think the most difficult thing for me was adjusting to the waiting times for tutor responses. However, I spoke to student services who were very helpful and contacted my tutor so I could move forward with my studies. 

I also like the new ‘Tutor Support Sessions’ webinars which I find very useful as frequently asked questions are answered.

My qualification has helped me progress in my career from an ‘HR Assistant’ to an ‘HR Coordinator’ and I hope that once I complete my Level 5 course I will progress further.

I have even recommended ICS Learn to my colleague who is currently completing the CIPD Level 7 Diploma.    

Hoping to advance your career like Lauren? Enrol with us on a 100% online CIPD qualification today.