CIPD Student Stories: Sam | CIPD Level 5 Diploma Review

Sam didn't let coming to HR later in life stop her. She studied an online CIPD Level 5 Diploma in HR Management and transformed her career.

Having come to HR late in my career, I recently celebrated my 50^th birthday, I decided that as well as my experience from running my own small importing business and latterly working in Health & Social care, I wanted a much more formalised learning experience.

I undertook the CIPD Level 5 Diploma in HR Management, as at the time I was HR Assistant and wanted to progress in my career and choosing an accredited course recognised by CIPD was paramount.  My employer agreed to share the learning costs, and I paid the balance by affordable monthly payments.

I chose ICS Learn, after researching different learning providers as they offered distance learning important as I was working full time and being able to work at your own pace was also important.

As working in the Social Care sector is pressurised, I didn’t also want to have to balance the pressures of keeping to deadlines with my studies. I did however set myself a deadline for completion of March 2020, 18 months after starting the course.

Unfortunately, due to being diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April 2019 and undergoing 3 operations and subsequent treatment I was unable to meet this timeframe, ICS Learn student support accommodated me and I was able to extend tutor support until January 2021. 

Tutor support was as I expected from an online provider, on some assignments I requested phone calls and email advice – this was given with varying levels of helpfulness. I actually felt that at times some tutors didn’t enjoy this part of their job role, the peer support on the student portal and on the CIPD website were supportive and helpful.

Completing this qualification has helped me by gaining confidence and knowledge and gave me the opportunity to apply and be appointed as the HR Business Partner within my organisation.

Together with the Head of HR we put together our HR Strategic Plan, something I would not have been able to accomplish prior to starting the course. 

I am particularly interested in Employment Law and will be looking to further my knowledge in this area.

For someone who is looking for a flexible study method I would highly recommend ICS.

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