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Human Resources
28 November 2022 - 2 min read
I’ve worked in Recruitment for a large education charity for the last 16 years (with two breaks to have my children and a one-year secondment to another front-line charity as their Recruitment Director). My current role is Head of Recruitment Operations at Teach First. Teach First has a vision of building a fair education for all and ensuring that every child can reach their potential. It’s a vision that I am proud to be part of. I work closely with teams in attraction, selection, and admissions and each year we recruit, place and train hundreds of new teachers to work in schools across the country that need them most.
Earlier this year I decided to make use of the Professional Qualification Support that Teach First offers and signed up with ICS Learn to undertake my CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management. Other than short training courses, this is the first official qualification I have worked towards since I obtained my Qualified Teacher Status in 2004. I have been contemplating studying for a professional qualification for several years but wasn’t sure I had capacity to balance it alongside a busy work and home life.
After a period of reflection, speaking to colleagues who had done their Level 7 qualification and with the support of my family, I decided to bite the bullet and sign up – and I’m so pleased that I did.
So far, I’ve completed 3 modules; Resourcing and Talent Management, Work and working lives in a changing business environment and People Management and development strategies – each has offered me new perspectives and I’ve been able to play my newfound knowledge into my everyday work.
I did have initial reservations about online learning and wondered whether there would be enough momentum to keep going. However, I have dedicated set learning times each week which my family respect (for the most-part, the toddler is not always so sympathetic!) and I’ve found ‘windows of submission’ act as real motivator. I’m just embarking on the Business research in people practice module which has been hugely interesting and am looking forward to taking back findings to share with my organisation.
The tutors delivering masterclasses, webinars and other sessions are also encouraging and welcome questions.
Having the CIPD level 7 qualification will boost my credibility in the field, as well as showing my commitment to personal development. I can apply the learnings into my current work, but also know it’s there to support me in the future as my career develops.
Did you enjoy Anne-Marie's story? Do you want to take your HR career to the next level? Then enrol on the CIPD course of you choice today.
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