CIPD Student Stories: Laura Coss | CIPD Level 5 Review

Laura chose to study her CIPD Level 5 Diploma to take on a new career in Human Resources. Learn more about her experience with ICS Learn below.

I'm currently a Operations Manager for Affinity Homecare Group, and when I was called into a meeting last year with my boss, he explained he wanted to start taking a step back from the business. Instantly I was nervous! However, he continued with he wants me to be his wing woman and start taking control of the business!

Excited, nervous, happy, anxious I was overwhelmed and obviously said yes, however, I came home that night and thought how on earth am I going to do this.

So, I thought I would look into an online HR course that would allow for me to grow into my new role as Operations Manager whilst supporting me with the technical aspect of HR, managing people correctly, and supporting the organisation.

I could have gone in straight at Level 7 with the number of qualifications I have, but after speaking with a few providers the consensus was that CIPD Level 5 Diploma would be the best fit for me right now.  

I didn’t sign up with ICS Learn straight away. Honestly, another company bartered on the price and I went with them instead - big mistake! Do not be swayed by money.

I stipulated I wanted to work at my own pace, do courses in whatever order I felt appropriate, and have feedback in a timely manner. Needless to say, I found out the original learning provider had misled me with their information and I, with ICS Learn support, got out of my contract and signed up to them.

My plan was to complete my Level 5 Diploma in 8 months. I took my time and spoke to tutors at least 100 times (no joke), as I was panicking about referencing, layout, and what I had to put into my assignments as I hadn’t studied properly since doing my degree.

They were all amazing, however, and with a few surprise surgeries along the way, family life, working from home, and a pandemic to contend with, I will have completed my Diploma in 11 months.

If I could give anyone advice it would be to ask for help. Don’t be afraid! Message your tutor and arrange a call. They are great sounding boards, they explain the guidance further and in a way that you understand.

Log on to the group forums, make friends, and connect. You're all in it together.



Are you like Laura and looking to take your HR career to the next level? Take a 100% online CIPD qualification with us and start enhancing your career today.