#Talent Matters: How Tim and Rebecca used CIPS to further their professional development
At NOE CPC, we strive to be the best and deliver exceptional service to our customers. Part of this is ensuring our team is up to date with training and changes in the procurement landscape, so we can maintain our high standards and deliver quality frameworks.
An essential part of ensuring our team is equipped to carry out their roles is the completion of Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualifications. CIPS plays a hugely important role in our industry, enabling us to keep up to date with changes shaping procurement and supply, and how we can adapt learning into practice.
As part of our Talent Matters theme for September, we spoke to members of our team who are currently studying or have recently completed different levels of CIPS to find out about their experiences.
Procurement Specialist Tim Cole has recently completed his CIPS Level 4 and is currently studying for levels 5 and 6. He said: “CIPS has certainly helped me in everyday tasks as all the modules I have done up until now can be linked to my role and helped me to develop a greater understanding of it. Having more knowledge certainly helps when having meetings with suppliers, it makes you more confident and more inquisitive, and you ask more questions. It also helps you to look at situations in different ways and the knowledge gained helps when problem solving.”
Tim added that alongside the classroom session and study days, colleagues within the team had also provided support.
He said: “It is always good to speak to those who have been through CIPS for advice and to use as a soundboard. But also, anyone in the team as well, hearing thoughts and other’s perspectives helps.
“Once qualified, I hope that it helps me to continue to develop, expand my knowledge, and progress in my career.”
Rebecca Crooks has also recently completed her level 6 in CIPS and said the training had helped to expand her knowledge of procurement.
She added: “Studying CIPS has provided me with invaluable knowledge, helped me to progress in my career, and given me a greater understanding of the industry I work in. It has equipped me with new skills and helped me to develop my existing skills to put into practice in everyday tasks.
“My tutor was incredibly supportive throughout my studies and was always available for any questions I had. She guided me throughout my 3 years of studies and planned the classes in a way that was clear and engaging.”
Tim and Rebecca also shared their advice for anyone starting on their CIPS journey.
Tim said: “I would say to go for it. It can be quite scary as I hadn’t written coursework or been in the classroom environment for a long period, however, you soon get used to it and it will benefit you.
“There is the option to have a break between levels 4, 5 and 6 but I would say to jump straight in and continue. I think it’s important to keep going to get it done.”
Rebecca added: “Start planning your studies early in the module so you are prepared and not rushing last minute. I would recommend studying CIPS to anyone who wishes to have a career in procurement.”
More information on CIPS training is available here.
Click here to read about our NOE CPC Hub colleagues who are currently studying or have recently completed different levels of their CIPS qualifications.