Upskill to take the next step in your career

When you are working full-time, running a home and meeting all the demands of everyday life – including planning your wedding – sometimes it is hard to commit to a course of study.

But local woman Lynsey Davison, who recently completed the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Level 5 Certificate in Human Resource Management at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) urges others who are thinking of upskilling to take the next step.

Lynsey,  who works in HR and Compliance at McQuillan Companies, based in Lisburn said,

“Following my degree in Business Studies, I had worked in a number of roles before deciding HR was the area I really wanted to work in when I joined the team at McQuillan Companies. I knew that to progress my career, I would need to gain further qualifications in order to meet the criteria for promotions and higher-level roles in human resource management. I had been thinking about doing a CIPD qualification for a while but with one thing or another it had gone on the back burner.   However, when I found out I could complete the course at my local college, it seemed the time was right for me to take the next step.

“My employer was very supportive, agreeing to flexible time so I could attend the course which started from 4pm one day a week. The SERC Campus in Lisburn is in a great location, so I found I could fit my work and home life around the course with ease. The lecturers at the College have a wealth of knowledge, gained in the sector, and all were approachable when I had questions about assignments and topics covered in class.

“I am glad I took the step to enrol. I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in my role with McQuillan which has now been consolidated with the Level 5 CIPD qualification sought by employers, including my own, for higher level roles in HR management. Having this qualification means I can now progress in my career and I am excited about my prospects.

She added, “There are probably many people out there just like me, working away and gaining experience on the job. But taking the step to gain a qualification to support what you are capable of proves to yourself, and others, what you have achieved and your commitment to your chosen career.   I would encourage anyone, thinking of upskilling, to find out what is on offer at their local College and take that next step. From personal experience, I can recommend the CIPD course at SERC for anyone who is considering furthering their career in HR management.”