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Mid-Career Transition To HR

Simon

Hi

I am a mid-40s senior RAF officer currently looking at options outside of the service. I have a largely operational background but have undertaken several roles with formal HR responsibilities. My current role is HR/training focused and strategic in outlook,which I am really enjoying. I am looking to undertake a distance learning CIPD Level 7 qualification throughout 18/19 to enhance my skills in this area and potentially make me more employable in the future.  I am considering HR as a future employment route and ideally at a reasonably senior level. Is this achievable and will the Level 7 qualification make me more attractive to potential employers?  I would be very grateful for any advice.  

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  • Hi, Simon.

    I was in exactly the same position as you around 6 years ago with a similar background and experience and without any formal HR qualifications (although I had obtained Chartered Member status). I am hopefully proof that what you are considering is quite achievable.

    I also considered undertaking a formal Level 7 CIPD qualification during my resettlement but went for Executive Business Management instead to broaden my knowledge, capability and employability.

    For me the OA wasn't much help (maybe it was the consultant I met with rather than the OA as a whole - she was very dismissive!) but my experience shouldn't put you off - speak to as many people as you can and take from them what you think will help you.

    If you want to chat through your situation in any detail then please do let me know. I'd be more than happy to help if I can.

    James
  • in reply to James
    James

    Firstly many thanks for replying and it is very encouraging to hear from someone else who has successfully made the switch. I am really keen to hear about how you went about getting your Chartered status and why you didn't pursue the Level 7 so would be grateful for a little more of your story when it is convenient for you. Thanks
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  • in reply to James
    James

    Firstly many thanks for replying and it is very encouraging to hear from someone else who has successfully made the switch. I am really keen to hear about how you went about getting your Chartered status and why you didn't pursue the Level 7 so would be grateful for a little more of your story when it is convenient for you. Thanks
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  • in reply to Simon
    Hi Simon, I saw your post last year and followed the discussion with some interest, having also been a senior RAF officer (I left a couple of years ago) with aspirations to transfer into the world of HR. That's probably a different story for another time, but in response to your question about Chartered status: I looked at both options and chose not to do the L7 but went down the professional assessment route (I used an Enhanced Learning Credit). I found it pretty straightforward, with some good advice from those who had been down that route. My feeling was that in my last couple of years in the RAF I would have enough on my plate without taking on a lengthy, expensive and demanding distance-learning programme. In retrospect that was the right call for me, but I do encourage you to do your own cost-benefit analysis.

    In considering whether the L7 is right or not, remember that it won't get you Chartered membership directly (whereas the assessment route might) as you will become an Associate and then need to upgrade - so the question is whether you will learn anything that makes a difference to employability.

    My take on it, almost 3 years down the road, is that in the military we become very focused on badges and qualifications as the career management system requires them for almost any job, whereas in the commercial world the focus is almost entirely on what experience you have. For what it's worth, therefore, my advice would be to start networking and use that to identify your relevant experience and what advice they have to close any gaps.

    I'm not sure what the protocols are here regarding direct contact, but if it's OK by the CIPD and you think it would be helpful I'm always willing to offer any support I can. BTW, have you tried the CIPD's own mentoring service? I haven't, but might be worth a try.

    Cheers, Steve
  • in reply to Steve
    Steve.

    Many thanks for your perspective and advice. I looked at the assessment route and will take another look. I am not sure about the protocols either but would be grateful for any further advice or a chat. Thank you

    Simon
  • in reply to Simon
    As I am genuinely not selling anything at all, and am acting only in the spirit of one who has travelled the same road, I'll take a chance (moderator, please delete this post if I'm exhibiting poor etiquette or breaking the rules for use of the fora and accept my sincere apologies).

    You can find me on LinkedIn as Steve Harpum and I'd be happy to connect and take it from there.

    Cheers, Steve
  • in reply to Steve
    Steve, Simon... no problem at all. Connect...