I currently manage a range of Learning and Development projects at Northampton council. The challenge for me was managing and committing the time to study whilst working in a busy role.

My main reason for doing the CIPD qualification was for my own career progression.Working as an L&D professional for 20 years, most of my learning and experience gained has been experiential. I wanted to gain a qualification that would reflect and consolidate my current levels of experience; give me more credibility as an L&D professional.

Acacia was the obvious choice of CIPD approved provider to go with. They offer the most flexible options of study, which fitted my requirements perfectly. I choose to study the CIPD Advanced Level 7 Certificate in Human Resources with Acacia via their remote competency route.

What did you enjoy most about the course and studying?

Olivia Charles, Acacia CIPD Advanced level 7 student

Everything! The fact that everything I learned on the course was relevant to the role I am in. It helped to enhance and build on my current levels of knowledge and experience.

I especially enjoyed the professional discussion with my tutor Anne Williams. Anne brought my learning experience to life and her feedback was constructive. It was such a very humbling experience working with a CIPD tutor of her calibre. Her knowledge of the profession was beyond anything words can describe.

Did you have a favourite module?

Organisational development and design was my absolute favorite module. It added new dimensions to my existing levels of knowledge in this area. It definitely opened me up to new areas of learning too!

How did you find the Acacia tutor and support throughout the course?

Acacia Tutor Anne Williams

My Tutor Anne Williams was excellent. She provided really useful feedback from the offset and really good support. Her clarity on how to go about undertaking my assignment as well as referring me to the marking criteria, guided me on how I should reference and make the best use of case studies.

Studying the CIPD Level 7 Certificate course has already benefited me in my career. I feel much more confident about my capabilities and I am aiming to go on to complete the full diploma.  In my current work practices and projects I have actively applied what I have learnt.

I highly recommend Acacia Learning, because it offers flexible study options and excellent tutor support, guidance, knowledge, and expertise.