CIPD Learner Stories: Nicola Rowe

What were your goals of starting the programme?

My objective was to deep dive into the world of HR, the community of other professionals and have an opportunity to research and understand the bigger picture of Human Resources.

How has the programme helped your career and where are you now?

Six months in to my course I was very engrossed and knew that there were so many initiatives I could bring to my role, starting with the biggest problem we have… absence! Using the Bradford Factor and implementing tools I’d learned about in my module, I brought theory to life! Working with the senior management team in 4 short months we saw an 11% improvement and a saving of £18,600. I would not have been able to effectively implement the project if it wasn’t for my module. That same week, I was asked to look after the employees in our Oman office, so my role grew. Two months later I was asked to help establish policies for our new office in Saudi Arabia and so now look after three countries in less than a year. Furthermore, I sit in the monthly management meetings with the directors for both Oman and Qatar, and I write the Middle-East Board report for HR in Qatar, Saudi & Oman. My first-year anniversary is approaching, and I wouldn’t have obtained such recognition if it weren’t for this CIPD course with DPG.

What would you say to anyone thinking of starting a programme with DPG?

Go for it. I will remain with DPG when I do the next course, Level 7. The support from my tutor, Gary, has been above and beyond what I expected. With my ever-increasing role, I had to ask for a couple of extensions and Gary was very supportive of this too. I want to become Chartered with CIPD and I’ll be using DPG to help me get there.