Human Resources Student Stories:
CIPD Student Stories: Michaela Roberts | CIPD Level 5 Diploma

Michaela was able to land a promotion as a Senior People Advisor upon the completion of the Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. 

When I was at school, I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. That question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” felt impossible to answer. How could I know, when I wasn’t even aware of what sorts of careers were out there?

Back at school my only ideas of what job options were available to me were the ones I could see, or that friends’ parents did for work. Hairdresser, doctor, teacher, police officer for example…. never User Experience Designer or Business Development Consultant or Human Resources Advisor.

So, like many people, I sort of fell into my first career. Administration seemed to suit me perfectly - I am naturally organised; I enjoy structure and processes but also working with people.

I started out as an Administrative Assistant for a small IT company, then moved to a role at a university before working my way up to Executive Assistant at CABI, a not-for-profit organisation.

A position came up internally in the HR team as an HR Advisor, and I decided to go for it. Thankfully I got the role, with the agreement that I would study for a CIPD qualification to build my HR knowledge and skills while learning on the job.

I chose to study my CIPD Level 5 with ICS because the online learning format worked best around my work and looking after my two young children.

It was the perfect fit – giving me the flexibility to balance work, study and my responsibilities as a mum.

A colleague had also studied for their CIPD Level 7 with ICS and had only positive things to say about their experience, which helped me to decide.

My study experience was genuinely positive.

I enjoyed being able to connect with other students on the same course as me and the online classrooms were brilliant.

If there was ever a time that I couldn’t make a live session I was also able to view a recorded version in my own time which was so useful.

The tutors were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, one of the best aspects of the course was the option to submit drafts of my assessments for feedback before I submitted the final version.

Feedback was always thorough and constructive, and this really helped to guide me through my studies.

I found that the modules I studied on my CIPD Level 5 course had real practical value in my work.

After studying the module on trade unions for example, I was able to start attending joint consultation meetings between the HR team and our recognised trade union at CABI.

I also particularly enjoyed learning more about employment law and that has been invaluable in my day-to-day work ever since. It was great to study a course that had such practical relevance to my career path.

Following completion of my studies and gaining my CIPD Level 5 I have gone on to be promoted and now work as a Senior People Advisor.

My qualification with ICS Learn has been invaluable in helping me reach that goal.

I would absolutely recommend studying with ICS Learn. Having the flexibility of online learning but the amount of guidance, expertise and encouragement on offer is the best of both worlds.

Looking back, choosing to study with ICS Learn is one of the best career decisions I made.

Personalised support from expert tutors to help you reach your goals. Enrol on a 100% online CIPD qualification.