Hello,
few years back I have completed a Level 7 course and now I am contemplating on my next move. Since I work in SMEs, I feel that I am not getting the most out of the education as for non-HR people my CIPD diploma does not mean much. I am debating between a top up to get MA/ MSc or MBA. However, while MBA is likely to be broader and potentially could give me wider options in the future, it is much longer than only 6 months top-up and I am keen to hear some stories how and if either of those had helped to develop people's careers.
Thank you.
I am in an HRD role and I have an MBA. I loved doing my MBA and got a huge amount out of it but would deter anyone from embarking on one unless they were very sure it was what they wanted. Do not underestimate the hours you will have to put in to cover the research and reading for each module. I took a career break and did mine full time over a calendar year. There were people on my course who were doing it part time so clearly it can be done while you are holding down a job, but you will need a lot of stamina and a self-sufficient partner or family as you will not have time for much outside work and study.
I agree with Keith that an MBA isn’t essential for a senior HR role. It might, perhaps, initially give you a bit more credibility with fellow directors but that won’t last unless you back it up with a consistently commercial and business-like approach as well as solid HR knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, I also think that the CIPD qualification isn’t yet an essential qualification for an HRD role, although it has become expected for roles below HRD level, and I agree with Keith that a mismatch between qualifications and experience can create a real problem - we have seen that too often in these forums.
You’ve already done a level 7 course. At this stage, you should do what you will love. If you won’t love it, don’t do it.
I am in an HRD role and I have an MBA. I loved doing my MBA and got a huge amount out of it but would deter anyone from embarking on one unless they were very sure it was what they wanted. Do not underestimate the hours you will have to put in to cover the research and reading for each module. I took a career break and did mine full time over a calendar year. There were people on my course who were doing it part time so clearly it can be done while you are holding down a job, but you will need a lot of stamina and a self-sufficient partner or family as you will not have time for much outside work and study.
I agree with Keith that an MBA isn’t essential for a senior HR role. It might, perhaps, initially give you a bit more credibility with fellow directors but that won’t last unless you back it up with a consistently commercial and business-like approach as well as solid HR knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, I also think that the CIPD qualification isn’t yet an essential qualification for an HRD role, although it has become expected for roles below HRD level, and I agree with Keith that a mismatch between qualifications and experience can create a real problem - we have seen that too often in these forums.
You’ve already done a level 7 course. At this stage, you should do what you will love. If you won’t love it, don’t do it.
