Doing the wrong course? How will this affect job prospects?

Hi there. I've recently enrolled on the Level 5 HRM Diploma. I have no direct HR experience but have built up a lot of relevant and transferable skills working in a senior academic role for over a decade. I'm mid-way through my working life, have recently been made redundant from a long-term role in a sector that has been decimated by the pandemic and am hoping to transition into HR. 

I wasn't sure whether to take the level 3 or 5 as different training providers gave me different answers and CIPD told me that each training provider had different entry criteria.  One provider told me there would be a mismatch between my skills and experience if I took the level 5, another said that it was a myth that you have to start in entry-level positions and that with my qualifications and experience I should go straight to level 5. I found the online reading sections of the first module, DVP, very accessible and enjoyable, but I'm feeling overwhelmed by the depth, complexity and word-count of this and subsequent formative and summative assignments. I feel that I have bitten off more than I can chew! My gut feeling is to see if I can change to level 3 Diploma and to be at the top of my game, rather than feel that I'm sinking in level 5. 

I've also started looking for an entry level job in HR but most of them seem to require some HR experience and I'm not even getting interviews - I know that this is an extremely challenging time to be moving into a new career but there must be a lot of people out there in the same boat and I want to be sure that I'm at least heading in the right direction.

My induction session recommended using the online forums and I can see that this is a great place for giving and receiving advice and support, which would be much appreciated!

Parents
  • Just adding to the good advice above

    Experience at the moment is the greatest factor in getting in and on in HR. I know that's unfair, I know that's harsh but no matter what qualifications you have you will find it much harder without experience.

    L 3 or L5 would be a Golden Ticket that will rush you to front of queue. So in terms of which qualification do the one you can succeed in best and develop yourself in. That could be either. Generally L3 is good for a general ground. But it does depend on the person and their experience.

    As Elizabeth says this is probably one of the main questions asked here so use the search and you will find lots of good practical advise.(And even a few people who have succeeded!)
Reply
  • Just adding to the good advice above

    Experience at the moment is the greatest factor in getting in and on in HR. I know that's unfair, I know that's harsh but no matter what qualifications you have you will find it much harder without experience.

    L 3 or L5 would be a Golden Ticket that will rush you to front of queue. So in terms of which qualification do the one you can succeed in best and develop yourself in. That could be either. Generally L3 is good for a general ground. But it does depend on the person and their experience.

    As Elizabeth says this is probably one of the main questions asked here so use the search and you will find lots of good practical advise.(And even a few people who have succeeded!)
Children
  • Many thanks for your advice, Keith, and I appreciate your honesty! I'd rather hear the truth from somebody who knows what they're talking about and I think it saves a lot of pain in the long-run. I'm changing my course to level 3 as I think it's the best way forward for me to develop and succeed.