Human Resources Student Stories:
CIPD Student Stories: Edina Papp | CIPD Level 3 Certificate

Previously working in hospitality, retail and customer service gave Edina a love for people, that directly translated into HR. She enrolled on the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice.

When I found ICS Learn's CIPD course, I was working in customer service in finance.

With more than 7 years of hospitality, retail and customer service roles I was experiencing burnout. I became interested in working in HR, as it seemed like a great combination and balance of working with people, but a bit more behind the scenes.

I needed a change badly, and I was even contemplating apprenticeships which would give me work experience alongside learning - however, within my company, this was offered with a salary that wouldn't been enough to live on, especially in the middle of the cost-of-living crisis.

I applied for the role anyway and got rejected, which was the best thing that could've happened to me.

I found ICS Learn and enrolled, I thought I need to get this Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice so I won't feel stuck anymore, and I will do it on my own.

They were very helpful choosing the right level for me and gave me lots of information in email I could read through and make an informed decision.

After starting on the course, I was made aware of a vacancy for a People Coordinator role.

I thought, I heard of this company before, I will apply. They were happy to hear I was studying a CIPD course and I got the job. Everything aligned, I got to study on my own time, and I got to gain practical experience alongside it, for a good salary.

I never went to university and I was worried about starting a course due to financial reasons and lack of experience in regard to assignments. But once I started and got stuck in with the learning materials, I just started to enjoy learning.

Writing my assessments were my favourite parts.

I learnt so much more by writing about each subject, because it helped me identify gaps in my knowledge and I enjoyed further reading and research to deepen my understanding.

When I got stuck, I could ask for help. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend most live webinars due to work and because often they got rescheduled at short notices. The recordings were available however and they were helpful.

The feedback received on assessments helped me develop my skills and the way I study and approach questions. It was an experience that enriched me in many ways.

I did find it difficult to learn just by reading from my laptop screen - I think more visual or video materials would've been very useful and valuable for someone with different learning style.

But even like this, due to the flexibility this course offered, I was able to complete it in less than 12 months next to a full time job.

The best part? My company will support me in completing the Level 5 course in the near future. I am excited and will likely continue with ICS learn for that journey too.