CIPD Learner Stories: Illy Holleyman

Illy Holleyman chose to study CIPD Level 5 with DPG after moving into HR without formal training, using the qualification to build her knowledge in the role.

My academic background began with a BA in French and Russian at university. While my degree gave me strong communication, analytical and cultural awareness skills, I didn’t originally plan to work in Human Resources.

After graduating, I joined the Civil Service and eventually moved into an HR role. It was an exciting opportunity, but I had entered the field without any formal HR training or experience.

Although I was learning a lot on the job, I wanted to develop a deeper understanding of the profession and the principles behind the work I was doing. That’s what led me to enrol on the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management with DPG.

My main goal was to build a solid foundation in HR knowledge and gain a clearer understanding of how HR supports both an organisation and its people.

Building My HR Knowledge

At the time, I was working at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) within the HR Resourcing team.

A key part of the role involved ensuring recruitment activity was carried out in line with employment legislation and Civil Service policies. Being relatively new to HR, I sometimes found it challenging not having the formal background knowledge that more experienced colleagues had.

Studying the CIPD qualification helped bridge that gap and gave me confidence that I was developing the right professional understanding.

Applying My Learning in Real Time

One of the most rewarding aspects of the course was being able to apply what I was learning directly to my job in real time.

The topics we covered helped me better understand the intricacies of HR practice, from employment law to the wider strategic role HR plays in supporting organisations and their employees.

The coursework was also particularly valuable because it encouraged me to reflect on my own workplace. Many assignments involved analysing HR practices within my organisation, which allowed me to explore how HR supports both operational needs and employee wellbeing.

This meant the learning never felt abstract and that I could immediately see how it connected to the work I was doing every day.

Studying Alongside a Full-Time Role

Balancing study alongside a full-time role in the Civil Service required good time management, but the structure of the course made it manageable.

The online learning platform was easy to navigate and allowed me to work through the material at a pace that suited my schedule. Tutor support was also extremely helpful, providing guidance and feedback that helped me stay on track and develop my assignments with confidence.

Growing in Confidence

Looking back, completing the CIPD Level 5 qualification was incredibly rewarding.

It not only strengthened my technical knowledge, but also helped me feel more confident in my role and in the decisions I make as part of the HR function.

One of the biggest lessons I took from the experience is the value of continuous professional development. Investing in learning helps you build both confidence and capability, especially when you are entering a new field.

My Advice for Future Learners

I would absolutely recommend studying with DPG to anyone considering a CIPD qualification, particularly those who are already working in HR and want to deepen their professional knowledge.

My advice to anyone thinking about enrolling would be to make the most of the opportunity to connect your studies with your own workplace experiences. Doing this really helps bring the theory to life.

Overall, my experience studying with DPG was practical, insightful and rewarding. Completing the qualification gave me the confidence that I had the knowledge and understanding to grow within the HR profession.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue building my career within HR and developing my expertise further as I progress.

Start building your HR confidence the no-nonsense way with a CIPD qualification!