Studying for your CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma can be challenging when you have a busy full-time job and two young children. Fortunately, thanks to the personal support provided by his expert tutor, Hugo Tang found his learning journey with Reed Business School an enjoyable and motivating experience. Here we ask Hugo his views on the course and how becoming CIPD qualified has helped him develop his role as a people practitioner.
What is your career experience in HR?
Moving from fully operational roles, my first step into the world of HR was as a Recruitment & Training Manager. The company I was working for underwent tremendous growth in a short period of time and it became clear following the hiring of 100 additional employees, there was scope for an HR Manager.
I pitched the idea to my Managing Director that it should be me and that I’d like to develop my role as a people practitioner. I sought quotes for CIPD pricing and created an L&D agreement that I signed, for course-fee clawback, to instil confidence in the investment.
What is your current role and how did it come about?
My role is HR & Retail Compliance Manager. This role was made specifically for me given the dual requirement of HR and compliance experience needed, which was gained in my previous position.
How did you choose Reed Business School for your CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management?
I was looking for a provider that would allow me to complete the course of study alongside my full-time role. Reed Business School was running a promotion at the time and had an office based in Edinburgh, as hybrid learning could have been a possibility for me.
Which studying route did you choose for your qualification?
I chose to learn 100% online.
How did you work with your tutor Lorraine Bartlett and was the support helpful?
Lorraine was incredibly encouraging throughout. I received a wonderfully warm welcome and built an instant rapport with her. She outlined what the journey would look like and we worked on provisional timelines for expected completion together. I always received first draft assignments back within the 10 working days as promised, which held me to account for meeting my own submission deadlines.
What did you think of the resources we provide?
I had to be very selective in the resources I used but they were always relevant to the module, with a good range of new and older material, from a variety of sources. Most of them were downloadable so that you could retain for reference and view offline.
The amount of information on the VLE is extensive. The benefit from the wealth of resources would be truly felt by someone with full commitment to study, without having to balance work and family commitments.
Have you progressed your career by achieving your CIPD?
The job I currently hold listed ‘CIPD qualification preferred,’ so definitely put me in good stead, allowing me to apply in confidence.
What new skills and knowledge have you developed to support your role and your future career?
The need for concise reporting was of benefit along with the ability to summarise large quantities of data. The need for prioritising tasks and to allocate time for work certainly developed also.
Has achieving the qualification improved your work?
It has certainly inspired self-belief, having seen a big challenge through to completion. Persevering with the course took determination given the workload in my job and with two young children at home.
The CIPD qualification allowed me to move into a job with a much better work-life balance, so beyond improving my work, it has had a positive impact on my life overall.
What are your ultimate career aims?
Lorraine encouraged me to go for CIPD Level 7 and said that my report writing skills would meet the requirement needed. This was encouraging to hear but Level 5 is sufficient for my role, aspirations and capability.
What has been your experience of studying with us?
Thanks to my tutor Lorraine it was an enjoyable and motivating experience. There were times when I felt the level of detail and research required was overwhelming, but she ensured I kept going and always provided sage advice.
It was with some sadness when my final module was submitted as it was a true pleasure dialling into calls with her to catch up. She took a real interest in my growth, and it felt like having a close confidant and mentor. We added each other on LinkedIn which kept the connection going, and I assured her that I would refer Reed Business School in the future.
The assignment feedback received from Elaine Wood was highly beneficial as well. I always came away feeling that genuine time and care had been taken to read through what I produced, and that a nice balance was struck between praise and critique. I never felt demoralised or defeated but guided towards making the next module even better instead.
I just wish there was a graduation ceremony I could have taken my daughters to!
Would you recommend Reed Business School?
Yes – absolutely!