After a successful career in retail for over 20 years, Emer decided to enrol in the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management at our Dungannon Campus. However, just as the course started, Emer found herself in the unexpected position of having to take time away from her job to be a full-time carer for her child.

Emer, said:

I considered whether I should even complete the course; however, with the encouragement of the friends I made in the class, I kept at it, not knowing what my career path would look like. Ultimately, I left my previous job and am about to start a new HR role in an entirely different sector. Completing the Level 5 CIPD not only gave me the qualification I needed to change my career, but also the confidence to make the best life decisions for me and my family.


Emer shared that studying this qualification gave her the confidence she needed to apply for her new role in the HSC HR department, where having the CIPD qualification was part of the desirable criteria. Congratulations to Emer on achieving a Pass in CIPD Level 5 while successfully balancing her studies and family life.

If you’re inspired by Emer's journey, you can also start your career in HR with our CIPD courses, beginning this September! #TeamSWC

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