2012
“I decided to do this course because it fitted in with work. It was a joint decision between me and my employer – we both want to develop my career, and I need the CIPD qualification in order to do that.
“I already have a degree in psychology, but I hadn’t studied for a while so I chose to do the Certificate in Personnel Practice first (now the Certificate in Human Resource Practice) to bridge the gap.
"Although it’s not necessary to take the CPP in order to become CIPD qualified, it did give me an insight into business and HR and gradually eased me into the post graduate course.
“I really enjoy coming to classes and being involved in all the discussions that happen. I’m learning about what other organisations of all sizes and sectors do, and I now understand how they work. This is really useful because you can take those ideas and implement them in your own organisation.
“Sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to study, especially since I work in a small HR department where I only have myself to rely on at work. But what I am learning is essential for my career in the long term, as well as the short term. I can also use elements of my studies in my day to day work, as well as on bigger projects.
“I am considering going on to do a Masters after I become CIPD qualified, although that is still a couple of years away yet, and it depends on where I am with my career at that point in time!”