When is a Qualification More Than Just a Qualification?

HR is an industry that built on qualifications. And generally, the more career-related qualifications an HR professional has under their belt, the better because they open doors and lead to new and exciting career opportunities.

However, when you chose the right provider then there’s more to the qualification than just the qualification.

Sound odd? Well, it’s true.

Studying for and attaining an HR qualification is also about the process of self-development and learning. You should be learning new skills and ways of thinking as you study. You can learn different ways to approach situations in a safe environment. You will often be meeting new people, whether virtually or face to face. And very importantly, you get to step out of your day to day of work and delve into HR and business issues unencumbered by the normal constraints of your job.

These broader benefits of gaining a qualification are not to be underestimated. Any HR professional (or aspiring HR professional) who is thinking of taking an HR qualification needs to consider these benefits when choosing what qualification to take and more importantly where to take it.

The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) is the main awarding body for the HR profession and there are over 200 approved centres to choose from to complete your CIPD Qualification. But beware, whilst the qualification you get is the same with all, the experience you have can differ wildly, so choose wisely.

To help you choose, let’s look at those benefits in a little more depth.

New skills

Studying for a new qualification should mean you learn new skills. That’s pretty much a given. However, you will probably learn a whole load of skills that you didn’t anticipate learning. Skills that improve your ability to operate tactfully as an HR professional, both within your own function and in the business. Those skills could be anything from understanding, assessing and tackling a business problem – such as you would experience in DPG’s simulated environment, the Business District – to interpersonal skills such as collaborating with others.

Proactive self-development

Every professional, HR or otherwise, needs to continuously develop themselves and keep moving forward in today’s workplace. Stand still and you’ll soon be left behind.

The world of work, skills and business issues, are changing all the time and you as an HR professional need to keep abreast of those changes. A great way of keeping abreast is via a Community of Practice such as the DPG Community which is free to join. And if you have the right mindset – a mindset that embraces continuous learning and self-development you’re a few steps ahead already.

Refresh your thinking

Thinking about HR and business issues in a learning environment enables you to shed your routine mindset and approach. You’ll be encouraged to listen to and discuss different perspectives and attitudes and look for different ways to solve problems. It’s very easy to get caught up in the day to day mechanics of work, which is why being in a learning environment can be so beneficial.

Networking

Any kind of group learning, be it online, face to face or a mix of both, is invaluable for networking. It can be particularly useful if the learning is taking place across different disciplines or with people from different organisations or sectors as it enables you to forge new connections.

Professional recognition

Getting a CIPD Qualification will enhance your career. They also enhance your standing among your peers. By embarking on and gaining new qualifications, you are showing that you are serious about your work, your career and your profession, thereby boosting your profile and credibility in the HR community. You’ll even get letters after your name!

To find out more about CIPD Qualifications and how they can help you or give them a call on 0161 975 7777