Hello,
I am just coming to the end of my level 3 HR CIPD and am looking at the next options. My manager has asked me to look into what would suit me, my ability and my time - levely 5 or level 7.
I have studied at degree level (a completely different subject area) and have been working as a HR assistant since July last year.
Part of me really wants to go for the level 7 and challenge myself, get stuck in and be qualified quicker, so I can experience more, however another part of me wants to play it safe and go to level 5.
Any advice, tips or infomation on this would be appriciated as I'm not sure what route to take and any information would help me.
Thank you
Annie :)
Replies
Hi Annie,
Not long to go now just the last assessment to go and you will complete with flying colours. I would echo the comments below. I have studied at levels 3, 5 and 7 and my feeling then was that the jump from 3 to 5 was much harder than 5 to 7. The reason for this is in the way you are expected to think and present written arguments. At L5 you will be introduced to a more academic style and here your degree experience will be very valuable. Also the strategic content increases quite a lot. These will set you up for a L7 in a year or two as your career advances also. I have no doubt you are capable and continuing on to the 5 then 7 will complement your career progression at the same time.
Good luck Howard
Sounds advice Howard ;-)
Sarah
Hi Annie
Well done on your progress with the level 3 HR qualification and congratulations, once you gain this you will automatically become an Associate member of CIPD too.
It's great that you are thinking about next steps in your HR career. My advice would be similar to Bob's and Jane's. It looks like you are still fairly new to HR, therefore it would be sensible to look a qualification that will enable you to develop further your HR skills and competence.
The level 5 programme is a great way to develop the skills you need to act as a stepping stone into HR Management or a more senior HR role. In addition the content and assessments will prepare you in the approach and behaviours you need to then complete the level 7. Sometimes, as Bob says the level 7 can be a big jump if you are fairly new to HR.
Hope this helps but feel free to call the team here at DPG and discuss your needs.
Gail
Hi Annie,
Welll done on your level 3! I am.just in the process of finishing the level 5 diploma and I would highly recommend that you do this next. I don't think you would be playing it safe, it's meaty, challenging, thorough and all about strategic planning. I think it's a strong possibility that you would struggle jumping into level 7 without studying level 5. The fast track programme is only 9 months so you could get that under your belt and be starting level 7 in a year's time.
Good luck, Jane
Hi Annie
Firstly congratulations on completing your Level 3, and it’s great that you are considering continuing your professional development journey.
The question you ask is a tough one to answer without fully understanding your current position and your career ambitions.
My advice would be to do the level of qualification most closely matched to your current or next role.
So if you are looking to become or are already a HR Manager /Business Partner or similar then Level 5. But if you are an experienced HR Manager with a view to become a Senior Manager / Director then Level 7 may be more suitable.
From my years of experience of helping people choose the right level of qualification, you will probably struggle doing the level 7 unless you are in a role that gives you the opportunity to operate at a strategic level. .
Hope that helps, but you should take Sharon up on her offer a call and consultation so she can give you a fully informed and personal recommendation.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do next :)
Bob
I always refer to some sound advice from Mike Morrison FCIPD
"Please do not follow the "academic" attitude to qualifications and always seek the same or higher "levels".
Think of the "levels", not as levels but of packages of learning.
What you do at "level 5" is not more than level 3 or less than level 7 but different.
If you truly want to be a rounded and balanced professional in any topic.. start at the bottom - not the middle - for there will be a lot you miss.
Remember HR is a specialist area on its own, and whilst you will have adjunct information, you will not have ALL of the underpinning knowledge"
It is a mistake to think that you "will be qualified quicker" (actually it depends on your definition of qualified!), If you mean to apply for Chartered membership, then you will be making the same mistake as a lot of people, having a level 7 does not guarantee Chartered membership, there is a lot of assessed experience at management level needed to get there.
Another thing always make sure you do the full course at each level, so at Level 5 that means the Diploma, there are too many people at the moment bluffing saying they are qualified but only having awards and certificates!
Hi Annie,
I have tried to contact you on your mobile earlier, but i went though to voicemail.
I will be more than happy to discuss the Level 5 and 7 with you. There are colleagues available till 7pm this evening feel free to call us on 0161 975 7125.
Kind regards,
Sharon Yip
DPG CIPD Programme Advisor