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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,

    Have you made any progress? I left the RN after 6 years service, so much less experience, but I opted for level 5 CIPD as I found most employers specified CIPD qualification as essential, but not the level. If you are looking at a HR Director role though, then Level 7 is a must. Will the RAF pay your full fees? I used ELCs after leaving, so cost was also a factor for me. I have secured a role in HR, but it was hit and miss with employers whether they took the time to consider my experience. Something to consider is Employment Law; this is a must for a lot of employers, so it might be worth looking at any additional courses in this area above the Certificate/Diploma as I'm assuming your roles have been mostly subject to military regulations. I recommend AVADO learning for the certificate/diploma if you're comfortable carrying out your own reading and learning in your own time - it's 100% online and there are start dates throughout the year.

    I second the comments regarding the Officer's Association. I was put in contact with a former officer now working as a human capital consultant in London, she was excellent, not least because she gave me the confidence to just go for it. She secured her role through networking, so I would advise starting to make connections through LinkedIn and the OA.

    Good luck,

    Amy
  • in reply to Amy
    Amy

    Thanks for the comments. I will have to use my ELCs for the course and pay the rest myself. I am happy with on-line learning as it will give more flexibility so thanks for the tip on AVADO. I am going to see the OA next month and then sort out LinkedIn and start some networking. I am really grateful for you taking the time to provide some advice.
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  • in reply to Amy
    Amy

    Thanks for the comments. I will have to use my ELCs for the course and pay the rest myself. I am happy with on-line learning as it will give more flexibility so thanks for the tip on AVADO. I am going to see the OA next month and then sort out LinkedIn and start some networking. I am really grateful for you taking the time to provide some advice.
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  • in reply to Simon
    I meant to say, as well as OA, the CTP (as much as they'll try to put you on a course about registering for a doctor!) were able to provide good contacts. They have a list of former officers who are happy to be contacted for careers advice/networking. I'm not sure how much information they will give you unless you're in your last two years of commission/resigned. They also hold career fairs which if you can attend great, but if not they have a list of attendees which gives you an idea of who is open to ex-military.

    The NHS is pushing forward with an ex-military recruitment programme called Step into Health if you would consider public sector. A former colleague of mine is assisting with the programme's expansion in Leeds. And Amazon have a dedicated ex-military recruiter who is readily available on LinkedIn.

    Finally, if you use the ELCs it might be worth enrolling for a certificate in one financial year and topping up to the diploma in the next.