We know that studying for a professional qualification can be a struggle when you are already juggling a busy workload with family life or social commitments. Life has a habit of always getting in the way of our best laid plans.
But don’t let this deter you from putting yourself and your own personal growth first to get ahead in the people profession. Making time for studying doesn’t need to have a negative impact on your life. There are lots of practical ways to ensure your learning journey runs smoothly.
As long-standing experts in helping thousands of HR and L&D professionals to realise their dreams and become CIPD qualified, here are our top tips to take your career to the next level.
10 top tips to study for your CIPD
1. Remind yourself why you want to become CIPD qualified
A CIPD qualification provides you with fantastic opportunities to progress whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re an experienced HR practitioner. In fact, in the people profession, becoming CIPD qualified is one of the easiest ways to increase your earning potential in HR or L&D. People professionals with a CIPD qualification earn on average 12% more than those who are not qualified. Globally recognised by employers, the qualifications are the benchmark for success in our industry. So, put yourself first, aim high and start climbing that HR or L&D career ladder!
2. Plan Ahead
Map out the full duration of your study period thinking about any family commitments like birthdays and holidays or work projects. This structure will help you to focus and look for pockets of time to study. Reflect on your working week and don’t apply too much pressure. Be kind to yourself and realistic in your study plan.
3. Build your support network
Share your plan so that others know what you're trying to achieve. Ensure colleagues, friends and family are aware of your deadlines. Chat to people in your organisation who have studied for their CIPD to gain their input. And, don’t forget to join us on LinkedIn or Facebook to swap ideas with other learners for inspiration and motivation.
4. Organise your study hours
Getting to grips with how much time should be allocated to each unit can be tricky as it often depends on the individual. According to the CIPD, the average is 30 hours per unit. As a general guide, allow six to eight weeks to complete each assessment. Be reasonable when you estimate your study hours and reflect this in your plan.
5. Understand how you learn best
We all learn in different ways so think about how, when and where you like to study and play to your strengths. Consider:
Are you a lark or a night owl?
Do you like to learn in short bursts on the go or do you prefer to set aside several hours at home without interruption?
Are you a visual learner who prefers reading material?
Do you like to listen to information via recorded webinars or podcasts?
Do you like learning on your own or with others?
Cognitive, emotional, and environmental influences, as well as prior experience, all play a part in how knowledge and skills are retained. Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) uses a variety of resources in different formats to cater for different learning styles and needs.
6. Create a study area
Avoid creating unnecessary barriers to getting started and make studying less of a chore. If possible, create a dedicated study area away from any distractions and keep it tidy. Organise yourself by buying folders, post-it notes, highlighters and notebooks so that you can instantly find everything you need. Create digital folders and keep the links to your research open on your computer while you work on specific assessments.
7. Look after yourself
When you are busy, it’s more important than ever to look after yourself. Eat healthy food and keep yourself well hydrated. Don't eat a large meal before studying because it will make you feel sleepy. Take regular breaks from your computer and remember to exercise. If you're struggling with your studying, go for a walk to get the endorphins going. Don't forget to reward yourself for your hard work when you complete a unit.
8. Utilise the support
Remember you are not on your own. When you enrol with Reed Learning, you will be assigned an expert tutor who is there to guide you through your learning journey. Many of our students find this support invaluable and it’s what sets us apart from other CIPD centres. Listen to your tutor’s advice and take advantage of any booked 1:1s. Use the VLE, which is crammed full of useful information, reading lists, workbooks, study guides, recorded webinars and podcasts. Additionally, as one of our learners, you will have access to a wide range of resources on the CIPD website. Network with other students at every opportunity.
9. Ask for help
We understand that sometimes ‘stuff’ gets in the way of your best intentions. If you fall behind because of work pressures, illness or for personal reasons, speak to your tutor who will help you adjust your study plan. If you are struggling with a particular topic, we can offer guidance and support. In the words of the American statesman Benjamin Franklin: ‘You may delay but time will not’. If you have a problem with your studies, then keep us in the loop.
10. Click send
Try not to be too much of a perfectionist. At the start of your course, it’s easy to spend unnecessary hours tinkering with your work. When your assessment is ready, send it to your tutor for comment. It might be good enough to pass straight away which means you will have another unit under your belt. If it needs improvement, we will let you know and you can learn from this for future pieces of work.
Invest in yourself
Studying for a professional qualification takes commitment but investing in yourself will quickly reap rewards. CIPD qualifications hold industry recognition and respect. Whether you are taking your first steps into HR or looking to improve your existing skills, becoming CIPD qualified will ensure you stand out from the competition and progress your career.
Contact us - Reed Learning offers CIPD courses at all levels. For further information on becoming CIPD qualified call our specialist team on: 020 7932 2760.