The Challenge
How to swap a successful career in sales and marketing for a move into HR
After 18 years working for First Response Finance in sales and marketing, Jonathan Such was ready for a career change. The Sales and Marketing Director for the award-winning vehicle finance company, had always wanted to specialise in HR or L&D but his career took a different direction after studying business studies at university. The dream was always there, however, and after turning 40 he decided to do something about it.
Having been recommended to enrol on a CIPD Advanced Diploma programme by his HR Director, Jonathan contacted Reed Learning and arranged a personal diagnostic consultation to determine whether a Level 7 qualification would be suitable for someone with limited HR knowledge.
Jonathan was given the green light to study for a CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management and with the help of his personal adviser Dianne Johnson decided to approach the programme on a module-by-module basis to see how he progressed.
The Solution
With regular guidance from Dianne and access to the wide range of resources on our Virtual Learning Environment, Jonathan now has three core modules successfully behind him and is excited about becoming CIPD qualified next year. He enjoys being able to learn at his own pace while having the security of a dedicated tutor to provide feedback when necessary.
I’ve listened to Dianne’s feedback and tried to implement it as I’ve progressed through each assignment which has been helpful. She also pointed me in the right direction to look on the Virtual Learning Environment because there is so much material on each subject matter.
The Results
Working towards CIPD Level 7 and a potential move into HR in the future
Thanks to the disciplined approach to his studies and support from Reed Learning, Jonathan is making fantastic progress through each module of his Advanced CIPD qualification and is enjoying his studies.
The programme has lots of learning crossovers with his day job and finding out how aspects of HR such as recruitment is done in other organisations is a major benefit. Jonathan has developed new skills and knowledge to both support his current role and to take forward when he branches out into HR. And his long-term goal to leave marketing behind and set up his own HR business is well on the way to becoming a reality.
Studying for my CIPD qualification has been a really enjoyable learning experience and I would definitely recommend Reed Learning to others. When you have been at the same company for as long as I have, we do things in a particular way. My reading and research have given me a new perspective and I am finding ways to improve my current role.
