Human Resources Student Stories:
CIPD Student Stories: Kim Antoljak | CIPD Level 5 Diploma Review

Kim followed her new-found passion for HR and studied a CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management. Here's her story. 

I am currently completing my Graduate Scheme in Global Leadership Development in the Luxury Hospitality Industry with a main focus on Guest Relations and Services provided.

In my previous job I had the opportunity to work closely with the HR department and in my current job I too had an opportunity to do rotational work in our HR department. Thus, I developed quite an interest for HR.

The hospitality industry is a very fast paced industry (talking pre-covid times here), where you get to meet and work alongside people from all over the world.

Working in a people and experience-based industry and my experience of the importance of a qualitative working life, brought me to where I am today – to the decision that I want to extend my knowledge further and get an accredited HR qualification.

Comparing my previous experience with my university studies to the online learning, at the beginning I had some reservations about it for e.g. making time for online classes with my work schedule and similar.

However, ICS has offered me wonderful guidance and pre-enrolment support via their CIPD Advisors (I had Paul and he was lovely).

They answered all my questions I had, gave me insight into an example of the online platform and a unit, so I can get a clearer idea of what to expect from the course. Now, being a couple of months into the course, I am really happy I chose to do it.

The communication with my tutor was easy to establish via the platform. The tutors helped me around any queries or guided me through the assignment in the online classes, where I can ask the questions I have.

I like the new feature of online live sessions, where we can tune in and ask questions – I think this can and will be useful, especially at the beginning of the course, where one is perhaps still getting used to online learning and the format of the assignments.

I am at the beginning of my CIPD adventure and am looking forward to future challenges. I can already see a difference in feedback from my employer, having CIPD written on my CV. Moreover, my HR colleagues have given me positive feedback too, telling me it is definitely an asset and will give me an advantage once I start applying for HR jobs.

For now, I have helped out in my family business with recruiting and setting some training initiatives in place. Furthermore, my plans are to get into an HR role next year and finish my CIPD. Moreover, enjoy the journey and make the most of it.

Deciding to study with ICS was one of the best decisions made this year. I would unquestionably recommend ICS for anyone who is looking to study within their own flexible time, with an amazing support system and easy-to-use platform.

Follow in Kim's footsteps and develop your career with a online CIPD qualification. Get your free CIPD course guide and start your journey today.