Discover how Meredith is gaining vital, transferable leadership and management skills through studying the online ILM Level 5 Certificate.
I joined a hyper-growth company (Xero) in 2015, and always had ambition to work my way up to a management position.
After 2 successful promotions, achieving my initial goal of becoming a Team Leader, we were given an opportunity to complete an ILM Apprenticeship. I was curious, however the option available required time out of the office each week.
With a new team, I didn’t want anything that would take away from my time with them, but on the other hand I didn’t want to miss out on formal study which would otherwise give my colleagues that ‘edge’ over me for future opportunities.
I also just for gaining transferable skills, as you never know what’s around the corner (I have previously been made redundant, right before Christmas one year, which was such a shock).
So, I jumped online to see if there was an ILM course that I could do in my spare time and came across ICS Learn. I’d never heard of them before so carried on searching for comparative course providers, but came straight back after reading what they could offer!
I ummed over which level was best, 3 or 5, and had questions about getting back into studying. A couple of emails and a phone conversation later, I enrolled onto the ILM Level 5, contacted my dedicated tutor Nicola, and got started.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, so having flexibility with this course has been essential.
Several hurdles throughout the year, including the death of my beloved Grandpa, losing a beautiful friend at the age of 31 to cancer, and the very happy but exhausting addition of our first baby, meant finding and making time was really tricky.
ICS Learn and my tutor have been so supportive. They can’t do it for you, you have to have the dedication to keep going, even when your motivation waivers.
I can also make use of extending my study period for a small fee, which is yet another positive if you find things don’t quite go as planned.
The tutor support is incredible. I can’t pretend that I’ve found the course easy - I wanted a challenge!
When I came across an activity that I just couldn’t get the hang of, Nicola was always available and had several different ways of explaining and supporting me until I felt comfortable with it.
She never made me feel incapable or like I was wasting her time, and had such a human approach.
I haven’t completed my course yet, but am excited to work my way through it. It will give me a sense of self-achievement, evidence of formal learning and provide transferable skills for the future as I work towards my next promotion.
I would highly recommend ICS Learn to anyone.
Develop your management career with a fully online ILM qualification. Contact our friendly course advisor team today to find out more.