Andrew Carlin – Level 5 diploma

Why did the course appeal to you?

I have been working in optics for around 12 years. For the last eight years I have worked in the independent sector for a locally owned, family operated business. I always wanted to take on more responsibility in practice learn new things and my goals for the last few years were to move into a management. When a management position in one of our practices became available and my employer discussed this course with me, I was eager to get started.

How did you find the course in terms of content, support, ease of study?

When I received the first unit of study, I was quite apprehensive about my own capabilities to succeed; it was a long time since I had done any kind of studying like this. However, my feelings soon changed following the Zoom induction with my tutor’s and peers. The advice and hints and tips were really important for me and something I referred back to throughout the course. I remembered why I wanted to do this, what goals I was working towards and how my own personal development was not only going to enhance my career, but also provide great benefits to the business and others around me.

As the course is online, I could complete coursework without the need to travel or take time off, which was perfect. I am so grateful for the opportunity to gain a professional qualification at diploma level via distant learning and my tutor was an incredible support throughout. Nothing was ever too much and the communication via either email or zoom was always efficient and extremely helpful.

From a studying point of view, I believe that mastering the importance of time management was the factor that helped me complete this course successfully. Also, the extensive range of materials that are afforded to you throughout the course from the Chartered Management Institute was so impressive and vital towards successful completion of each unit.

The best thing for me throughout the course was the actual relevance of every single unit. This wasn’t studying for the sake of it; it was an ongoing process of learning crucial aspects of management that will help me thrive and continue to grow as both a person and a manager. Through learning about the different techniques for developing and leading individuals and teams, to the importance of understanding and managing the customer experience and the benefits this provides to the business, and everything in between such as managing finance and delivering coaching and mentoring, the course really covers everything you need to succeed. There are so many theoretical models to study along the way, some of which I found fascinating and really enjoyable to review and scrutinise. My particular favourite was Philip Crosby’s ‘Zero Defect Model’.

How did it help your current role?

As a result of undertaking the course, my communication skills are enhanced and it has given me the ability to understand that everyone’s emotional makeup is different and that as a manager you need to be adaptable in choosing how to motivate and get the best out of everyone.

Who would you recommend the course to?

I would 100 per cent recommend this course to anyone, whether in management already and looking to improve on their current skills or moving into a management position for the first like myself and wanting to give themselves the best chance to succeed and excel in the role.