Emma Lees - Career Development
Emma Lees
Career Development and Employability - PGDip (Distance Learning)
Emma is in her final year of study on the Career Development and Employability Postgraduate Diploma. She has been studying the course alongside her role an Employer Engagement Consultant. Discover her distance learning journey…
Choosing distance learning at Huddersfield
The ability to study fully online was the biggest draw, however I wouldn’t have chosen the course on that basis alone. I did thorough research. I connected with the course leader on LinkedIn and set up a call to talk through my experience and the course content.
I also used LinkedIn to check the qualifications and experience of the staff teaching on the course, as well as researching where alumni had found work. I then reached out to alumni and spoke to them about their experience on the course, which was all positive.
I work full time and have two school age children. I therefore wanted a distance learning course that could fit around my personal and professional commitments.
My online study experience
The flexibility is brilliant. It's meant that I don't need to live near to the institution to study here and it's given me the freedom to choose and attend the best Career Development course without being geographically restrained. I can easily log on at home or at work and attend live lessons, as well as log in at any time of my choosing to catch up on lessons and access learning materials and events asynchronously.
I find the course engaging and interesting. The material is varied, contemporary and the right balance of theory and practical activities. There is a good mix of guest speakers, slides, reading and active learning via breakout rooms and discussion.
High-quality teaching and support
I've been super impressed with all three academics that deliver my course. Their depth of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm is excellent.
Overall, I have found the support excellent. Emails are responded to swiftly, support is always available if needed. Staff are approachable and can give you a steer on assignment content if you feel you need it. The feedback on assignments is timely and valuable too.
I love the flexibility of distance learning, the knowledge I have gained and the new professional network I have formed – with both the academics and my cohort of students on the course.”
Study- life balance
Because I work full-time in the day and my children are older and don’t go to bed until around 8 or 9pm, I do my reading and assignments at the weekend or in the evenings. I have to be quite disciplined in blocking out time out in my diary to commit to this.
Juggling and multi-tasking is always a challenge with a busy work and home life but it you are organised and committed and keep the end goal in sight, it just happens.
A career-boosting qualification
I work in employer engagement in higher education right now but ensure my role is hybrid and involves employer interaction, events, careers guidance and careers education to ensure I am multi-skilled. I will continue to build my network and experience in all of these areas and see what opportunities open up me in the future.
The course gave me an excellent understanding of the Higher Education Careers landscape. It enabled me to feel confident and adept at structuring and carrying out competent careers guidance, be that one to one or in a group. I feel as if the CDI Code of Ethics is ingrained in my practice as a result of the course. I firmly believe having this qualification will open up doors to me that were locked before.
