CIPD Learner Stories: Robert Pender

It took Robert just 93 days to complete his CIPD HR Level 5 Diploma, including all assessments and marking from DPG’s expert facilitators. 

The focus of my career has primarily centred around customer experience, leading teams and managing people functions. I consider it paramount for people in experience-driven fields to understand the vital part communities (customers and employees) play in organisations. Focusing on the human experience results in positive business outcomes that everyone benefits from.

It’s critical that “experience architects” have a very rounded view of how to improve organisational performance and the lives of the very people who will make that happen.

The reasons I chose to study with DPG were twofold. The personable and positive initial interactions I had with DPG staff from the outset, and the incredibly flexible studying options available.

Given my customer experience background, I admit I’m hard to please, but I can honestly say DPG didn’t put a foot wrong. Whatever help I needed I was supported throughout.

The team of facilitators were absolute legends (I typically dish out such high praise sparingly) and instrumental in my success and enjoyment of the experience. It would’ve been a far more mundane and arduous road to travel without them.

I didn’t pass all modules the first time around, but it was the very specific feedback from the assessors that course corrected me and gave me the guidance I needed for any resubmissions.

Work-life balance wasn’t without its challenges while studying, but the DPG structure allows studying to suit the individual and not the other way around. This afforded me the freedom to invest as much or as little time as I had available on a given day (typically 40 hours per week) and work according to my own timetable.

Passing the course in circa 3 months was great of course. However, the enjoyment of the overall experience is by far the best takeaway and what I’ll remember over and above anything.

My advice would be that once you’ve decided studying with DPG is right for you, go for it. It’s a far less daunting proposition than it appears from the outset.

A lot of work is required granted, but you’ve everything you need to be successful. Attend the webinars and get involved in community dialogue. There’s an amazing learning experience ahead of you that you won’t regret.

I’m eyeing up the CIPD HR Level 7 Diploma now as this course has spring boarded a whole new career outlook, and I’m excited to add this qualification to my other people-focused ones and put everything I’ve learnt into practice.

Develop your HR career like Robert with an online qualification.