CIPD Learner Stories: Katarina Fitzgibbon

Katarina is due to finish her CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management by May 2025.

I currently work as an HR Advisor and have been for the past 2.5 years within a Shared Service Centre based in Glasgow.

I currently have a BA (Hons) Degree in Human Resource Management, and achieved my Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management soon after. Following this, I was keen to continue developing my professional knowledge, after gaining some experience of working in the human resources industry.

My employer then decided to fund my Level 7 qualification, supporting my development within the industry. As of right now, I'm currently working towards gaining my qualification, having started in February 2023 and hoping to finish by May 2025.

Back when I was in my research phase, I came across a few different learning providers and therefore, found it hard to make a decision.

However, with quite a few in individuals recommending DPG and with them also being Glasgow based, I ultimately decided they were the right choice for me. 

I was keen to study 100% online, and have felt continuously supported by both my tutors and colleagues.

While studying, my only criticism would be that the webinar content doesn't always fully match up with the assessment criteria and the webinars are focused heavily on discussions. However, I do imagine this would suit some learners so it's really down to personal preference.

Apart from this, I have really enjoyed my learning so far and feel it links to my every day role and responsibilities really well. I'm able to gain valuable insights by looking into different HR topics, all while comparing this to the organisation that I'm currently working for. 

Moving forward, I'm hoping to progress even further in my HR career. Upon completing the course and further developing my experience as an HR Advisor, I'll hopefully gain new skills and be able to take on more responsibility within my role.

I would recommend DPG as a learning provider; queries are always answered in a timely manner and I have received the appropriate support to enable me to pass assessments.

I have also found it very helpful to communicate with other students and provide each other with meaningful feedback and share experiences.

If you're like Katarina and keen to develop professionally within the people industry, enrol on a Level 5 Associate Diploma or Level 7 Advanced Diploma in People Management today.