CIPD Learner Stories: Alanna Cushman

Alanna was looking to make a switch from Sales to HR and knew that the first step would be to gain a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. Read her story below. 

Choosing DPG was my first step into HR. As someone looking to move from hospitality management into the people profession, the breadth of options was intimidating.

I received a lot of friendly and encouraging advice from DPG's sales team and they guided me into choosing the right course for me.

It was this first contact with the team that sold me on DPG as they seemed invested in my development.

I am now halfway through my Associate Diploma in People Management and have found it to be a good mix of challenging and informative. Although I would have loved to experience blended learning, the fully online course has given me the flexibility to study when I can.

The workshops are incredibly useful when I've been able to attend, and have resulted in a deeper understanding of the module and meeting other people to connect with. It would be really beneficial if they were able to be conducted on weekends.

I have not needed to reach out to a tutor one on one yet, but have received helpful feedback from all of my assignments which has guided me to produce better work.

The course content is informative although sometimes a little repetitive. It can give you what feels like a little too much information on topics you won't revisit, and too little information on key parts of the course… but I guess this is what background reading is for.

This course has given me knowledge to navigate the CIPD resources and given me enough guidance that I feel confident stepping into an HR role.

It has also introduced me to a community of support since meeting other members of the course during the workshops. Since starting the course I have resigned from my role in sales and am looking for roles in HR. Most jobs I have seen ask for a level 5 CIPD, so studying this has given me an opportunity to be considered for roles that my experience may not have been specific enough for.

If you're like Alanna and looking to make a career switch, speak to one of our expert advisors to find out more about studying with DPG today.