CIPD Student Stories: Mark Ovington | CIPD 7 Advanced Diploma

Supported by his employer, Mark took the plunge and enrolled on the Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management. Find out more about his studying journey in his story.

I have been in role as an HR Advisor at a defence contractor since April 2022. The role is great in that it responds to all aspects of employee relations, but also offers the opportunity to get involved in general aspects such as TUPEs, DEI projects and change management.

I was fortunate to have completed a degree at the University of Leeds which was CIPD Level 5 accredited, meaning I could then take the step to study my Level 7 in People Management when I was working and the time was right. After a couple of years into my role, my manager suggested I explore the Level 7 qualification as we were having conversations about my future and desire to follow a business partnering route.

I began researching and soon came across ICS Learn. I spoke to a friend who also works in HR and found she was already studying with them and gave me good feedback. So, I got in contact with the company and was sent the brochure on "Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management".

I was nervous about studying online, but given that I work remotely and it seemed a safe option at the time, I decided to enrol, kindly supported by my employer.

I completed the course in around fourteen months, but was appreciative of the fact I had comfortably longer should I have needed.

I found the course challenged me and stretched my approach and thinking as a HR professional, whilst allowing me to reflect on myself throughout. I was able to identify my strengths, acquire new interests and focus upon my areas of development.

My tutor was a fantastic support, providing extremely quick feedback whenever I reached out.

I valued that they reached out to inform me of their upcoming annual leave, as well as any additional information that would impact my studies.

My tutor also held masterclasses which made me feel connected to other learners whilst studying remotely and I particularly valued the opportunities to ask questions and engage in live discussions.

I believe the qualification has strengthened me as an HR professional and given me the tools, abilities and confidence to progress to a partnering role in the near future.

I thoroughly recommend ICS Learn as an online learning provider - particularly for individuals looking for a flexible but supported style of study.

Take a leap in your career and gain a 100% online fully accredited qualification with ICS Learn today.