HR people - career path choices

KarenG · 2 Apr 20, 07:20 PM

Hi all

First I don’t work in HR but am looking to grab a qualification to help my career path.

I’ve got 20 years of operations management and people and process change experience (but no qualifications for that). I’ve done various things that might be tagged as HR type activities in the last five years including; D&I initiatives; organisational development; business implementation etc etc.

I’m looking into a CIPD qualification to formalise some of my experience. I think, but not sure, Level 7 is what I’d target.

I would very much appreciate any advice anyone has. Is CIPD the right answer?

Cheers
Karen

KarenG · 2 Apr 20, 07:22 PM

In case anyone is wondering, the current context is making me think about things I don’t want to look back in 20 years and regret not having done. I hope it’s not a callous or inappropriate question at this point!

sbuck93 · 2 Apr 20, 08:10 PM

CIPD is definitely what employers look for in HR or Learning & Development roles. Level 3 being beginner, Level 5 line manager and Level 7 degree or senior management level. They are generalist HR qualifications so cover quite a bit, but if there is something in particular you are interested in (recruitment, employment law, training) you can do shorter courses that are aimed at a certain pathway. I would take a look at ACAS too, as CIPD usually refers to the ACAS code of practice.

Glee Fan · 2 Apr 20, 09:51 PM

Definitely CIPD - have a look at their website - it's really useful. You can do both professional qualifications with them or shorter more specialised courses.

cipd/learn/training

KarenG · 2 Apr 20, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by Glee Fan

Definitely CIPD - have a look at their website - it's really useful. You can do both professional qualifications with them or shorter more specialised courses.

cipd/learn/training

Thank you, and to sbucks.

I’ve done a number of senior / Head of roles in the last decade at my current employer. I’m thinking about a formal qualification if I move on (and preferably upwards). I’m definitely looking to back up experience with a qualification rather than HR specialism. For example there is a local Director of People role being advertised in a different company and my worry is that my experience matches the JD but I have no formal qualifications (hope that makes sense).

Glee Fan · 2 Apr 20, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by KarenG

Thank you, and to sbucks.

I’ve done a number of senior / Head of roles in the last decade at my current employer. I’m thinking about a formal qualification if I move on (and preferably upwards). I’m definitely looking to back up experience with a qualification rather than HR specialism. For example there is a local Director of People role being advertised in a different company and my worry is that my experience matches the JD but I have no formal qualifications (hope that makes sense).

Absolutely. But often an ad will just say proven experience/understanding of projects/policies in the HR field as opposed to a formal qualification. Just make sure your CV is geared towards People Management functions. Good luck!