How to Fast Track Your HR Career with CIPD

If you want to quickly progress in your HR career, a CIPD qualification is one of the best ways to get ahead.  

Recognised by employers across the industry, CIPD courses help you build essential skills, boost your credibility and unlock new job opportunities.  

At MOL, we offer flexible HR CIPD courses designed to fit around your schedule, so you can gain the qualifications you need without putting your career on hold.  

So, whether you're just starting out or looking to move into a senior HR role, our expert-led courses will help you achieve your goals faster. 

What is an HR career and how to get started  

So, you’ve decided to go after a career in HR – but what does an HR career actually look like? Is HR a good career? 

Yes! HR is all about managing people, from things like training recruitment to employee relations, wellbeing, policies and much more. So, whether you want to specialise or are aiming for a more general role, HR has something to offer everyone. 

How do you start a career in HR?  

Lots of people start out in entry-level HR jobs like HR Assistant or Administrator. From there, your progression will usually depend on your preferences, experience and recognised qualifications like HR CIPD courses. 

Why is CIPD important for HR careers? 

CIPD qualifications are trusted by employers – they show you’ve got the knowledge and skills to succeed and advance in your HR role. That’s why so many HR professionals see CIPD qualifications as essential! 

Choosing the right CIPD level for your HR career  

Wondering which CIPD course will be right for you? Here’s our quick breakdown of the CIPD levels: 

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate: perfect if you’re just getting started in HR 

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma: best if you have some HR experience and want to step up to the next level 

• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma: ideal for experienced HR professionals who are now aiming for senior and strategic HR roles. 

If you want to learn more about what’s on offer with each course, read our simple guide to CIPD levels! 

How to pick the right CIPD level 

If you’re not sure which CIPD level fits your skills and expertise, start with your current level of experience. Then, think about where you’ll ideally be in one, three, or five years – the right CIPD level should help you bridge that gap. 

Tailoring your learning for specific HR career paths  

By now, you might be asking: “what are the main career paths in HR?” 

Generally, there are two main career paths you can follow, depending on your interest, strengths, and areas of expertise: 

• HR Generalist or HR Manager: you’ll oversee the full employee lifecycle from start to finish, work in strategy, and drive organisational planning efforts. 

• HR Specialist: here, your focus will be centred on areas like recruitment, employee relations, learning and development, rewards and compensation, DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion), and more. 

Advancing quickly in HR careers with CIPD  

Can a CIPD help you progress faster? 

Yes! CIPD courses give you valuable practical knowledge, industry-recognised skills, and professional credibility, so you’ll be ready to step into higher-level HR roles with confidence and ease. 

Having a CIPD qualification also shows employers that you’re serious about your work, success and development. It’s a really powerful advantage to have when you’re applying for promotions or switching jobs.  

In fact, between March 2022 and February 2023, people with a CIPD qualification earned an average of 12% more than those without. So, if you’re aiming for a better job or a step up, having CIPD on your CV can really make a difference. 

Unlocking the HR Manager career path 

To become an HR Manager, there are a few things you’ll need: 

• Strong communication and people management skills 

• An in-depth understanding of HR policies and employment law 

• An industry-recognised certification, like a CIPD Level 3, CIPD Level 5, or CIPD Level 7 qualification. 

Studying a CIPD course doesn’t just give you the chance to build the must-have skills, it also helps you stand out in a competitive job market. 

Growing your HR specialist career path with CIPD 

If you want to specialise in HR, CIPD qualifications will support you in developing in-depth and targeted knowledge that aligns with your career goals. 

1. Learning & Development (L&D) 

Are you passionate about helping people grow? Being an L&D specialist is all about helping others reach their potential and shaping a stronger workforce.  

Learning & Development CIPD courses focus on spotting skills gaps, designing training programmes and supporting career development across the business.  

2. Employee Wellbeing 

If you want to help create a healthier, happier workplace, this path could be for you. You’ll work on wellbeing strategies, support mental health initiatives, and help build a culture where people feel valued and supported. 

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 

Does your dream role involve making a real impact on the lives of others? DEI specialists work to emphasise fairness and inclusion across every level of a business – from talent and recruitment to workplace culture.  

It’s a role that helps drive real change and makes sure every voice is heard. 

4. Compensation and Benefits 

If you’re a whizz with numbers and strategy, this path could be for you. Compensation and benefits are all about designing rewards packages that attract and keep the very best people for every job.  

This could involve working out salaries, managing benefits or developing performance-based bonuses.  

As you build experience and grow your skills with a CIPD qualification, you’ll be ready to take the next step - whether that’s becoming a Senior Advisor, HR Business Partner, or moving into a leadership role like Head of People.  

At MOL, we’ll help you find the right course to match your goals, so you can keep progressing with confidence. 

How MOL can open doors to HR career opportunities  

HR is a career that gives you real potential to grow as a professional, and getting a CIPD qualification can help you move up faster and feel more confident in your role.  

At MOL, we make it easy to fit your studies around your job and lifestyle, so you don’t have to put your life on hold to get ahead.  

If you want to take the next step, explore our CIPD HR courses and get started today!