Level 7 Diploma/Experience/Dyslexia

I don't think the dyslexia should be an insurmountable barrier.

In terms of the core course....you can probably do the L7 and pass it - the question is will you get the maximum benefit? Probably not - your learning will be largely academic rather than grounded. HR is an interesting mix of practical and theoretic. You risk missing out on some valuable learning because you cant utilise the information in real time....

Hi Keith, being dyslexic is extremely difficult and does hold me back quite a bit but as you said quite rightly its not an insurmountable barrier and its not something I let overcome me. Once I know what the course involves I should be able to create a plan that ensures the dyslexia doesn't stop me from achieving what I need to. There was a time when I used to freak out due to my dyslexia and give up, but over time I have learnt to manage it better, but of course the fear never goes away completely.

I think you are right, I may not get the maximum benefit from completing the Level 7, that's if I manage to complete it in the first place! What would you suggest I should do? Sam has recommended taking the Level 5 or 7 Certificate. Would you agree?

The problem also is its all so expensive and as I am an all or nothing type of person I felt if I was going to do the CIPD then I should do the Level 7. However, I don't want to be setting myself up to fail.

I think that the L5 course would be the better holistic option offering you maximum learning.

I wouldn't see either as setting you up to fail - just one is designed for where you are at the moment - the other for where you might be in a few years time

Love the answer, thank you so much!

Amandeep, I really admire that you are trying to find out if you can do this course before you start. I am Dyslexic and when I studied for Level 7 I had a full time job running a HR team, studying part time and looking after a baby so I know about not having time to socialise. What helped me was being a manager already in the HR field. It was probably one of the hardest things I did because I did the L7 via long distance learning part time and it was very challenging with all my other commitments. At the time I was also leading on a major organisational restructure at work and with a baby I hardly slept. But it was worth it in the end. I also hid my Dyslexia so I did n`t have any help for my disability, but I found that family friends and my CIPD tutor helped and supported me so I was able to achieve my goal. I`m not saying everything is honky dory because it is hard, but only you can make the decision to do the course either L7 Or L5. But whatever you decide I am willing to help you and I am sure our other comrades will also.

Hi Caroline, I really don't have a choice as the worst case scenario for me will be to start it and realise I got into the deep end without doing my research and its too late and I can't cope and then I give up. I know the result of giving up would mean I would end up stressed and depressed and not being able to cope because I would feel like my dyslexia has held me back and I can't do what everyone else can. I have felt that many times and I do not want to be back there. I want to move onwards and upwards and to do that I know I need to do a CIPD, and as a matter of fact I WANT to do a CIPD. As you can probably see now this is more to me than just a course, this is my future and my confidence. I cannot tell you how proud I feel knowing you had your dyslexia, a full time job running a team and looked after your baby and still did the Level 7 and completed it. A well done seems too small and no words can describe how amazing that is. I can't believe that you hid your dyslexia and didn't gain any support for it. I can understand why you hid it though as I did for many years but learnt to accept it because it is a part of me and accepted that unfortunately it will never go away. I learnt the hard way to rise above it and find ways that worked for me as you probably did too but I cant even begin to imagine how tough that must have been for you. Nevertheless, you got through it and you should be extremely proud of yourself. Thank you so much for offering to support me, I may have to take you up on that offer haha! I really hope you see the fruits of all your hard work because you truly deserve it and I'm sure your little one will be so proud when he/she knows how hard you have worked to get to where you are today.

Hi Amandeep, Thank you so much for you kind words, your words mean more to me then you realsie. I can see that you have the determination not to have anything holding you back and if I can do it so can you. I want to encourage you if you want to go ahead. And the offer of help is truly given. The fruits that I have been given have been abundant since I did my Level 7 and now my career has gone way beyond Level 7. This opened so many doors for me and that baby I had is now 26. She saw how having a professional qualification helped me in my career and this has led her to gain a degree and a Masters both in Biological Science. And guess what? her Dyslexia is worse than mine - she did n`t have any help either and I realise you know how difficult it is to read a Degree and Masters in Science if you are Dyslexic. During her journey we both cried tears of blood, but she did it and today I am very proud of her. I put it all down to the decisions I made to take the hard road and gain my qualifications in the field I love ie the CPP, Grad CIPD and by practising at a senior level for more than 10 years. She saw this as an example and was encouraged by this just as you are by all your friends in this community. You are coming up behind us and when you fall we will lift you up. So I wish you all the very best for your future career and as one of our comrades said in another forum. You are not alone.

Caroline it looks like we have both been touched by eachothers words in this forum and I honestly cannot thank you enough for showing me the way and giving me courage. I can't believe your baby is now 26 with a degree and a masters! Well done for not only doing so well in your own education and professional life but also showing her the way and giving her the strength to do it too. You are an amazing person Caroline and should be ever so proud of yourself and your daughter. I have decided to take up the Level 7 and will let you know how it goes. Wish me luck ahhhh!!!

Amandeep, So proud of you. Wishing you good luck and remember let me know if you have any questions or need any help.

Amandeep, So proud of you. Wishing you good luck and remember let me know if you have any questions or need any help.

Thank you

Hi Caroline, hope you are well. I wanted to speak to you and was wondering if you could email me as I don't know how to contact you directly. My email address is [removed by moderator] please email me when you get a chance. Thank you.

[I can sort that out if both parties wish to get in touch - Moderator]