PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Diary of a student…
Honestly, when I started studying I didn’t realise how much of a change it would make to my lifestyle. I learnt to prioritise daily during term time. I also carried out different tests to confirm my learning style. This helped me set out a realistic study timetable for myself. I negotiated study leave at my workplace, so I was not stressed about exam time and assignment submission dates. What would you say is the most important thing you learnt? The most important thing I learnt was that development is a continuous process. Payroll itself is constantly evolving, so as a professional I am always ready to embrace change and develop and be up to date with current legislation. What did you gain from this qualification – both in terms of skills and also career progression? Career progression – my qualification made me a more desirable candidate for job interviews. I found I was also more confident at interviews and progressed following my qualification. Colleagues, as well as my employer, find me credible, too. I developed strategic and analytical skills that have become useful whilst carrying out projects at work. During my studies my passion for the profession grew, which made me interested in becoming a tutor myself. I have been tutoring for a year now and have found it easy to relate with my students as I was a student myself not too long ago. n
Sunmola AdeyemoMCIPPdip Senior payroll & pensions officer, City, University of London
Tell us a little about your background and life, so far. I was born in the UK and moved to Nigeria with my parents as a child but decided to move back to the UK 22 years ago. I now live in Greater London. My hobbies include trying out new food recipes and singing. I enjoyed trips to the theatre and cinema before the pandemic, but I make do with Netflix these days. I also love spending time with family and friends. What can you tell us about your career and qualifications? On arriving back in the UK, I enrolled on a part-time business studies course at Southbank University whilst working in accounts payable. I was made redundant soon after graduation and started picking up temporary roles in various finance departments via employment agencies. I was assigned to a temporary position on one of these occasions, and thought it was for an accounts payable role, but, on arrival, I found out it was a payroll job. I have not left payroll since, and it has been twelve years. I began as a payroll clerk and worked my way up to the role of payroll specialist, managing multiple payroll runs. This move was prompted by the completion of the Foundation Degree in Payroll.
Why did you choose to study the Foundation Degree? Six years into my payroll career, I was interested in enhancing with studying the experience I had thus far. I looked at the module contents of the Foundation Degree and was convinced it was the way forward for me.
How did you find the qualification?
Although I had working knowledge of some of the modules, there was so much detail I didn’t know. Tutors were easy to interact with, and always ready to support on areas of weakness. Networking with other students as well as sharing experiences was also helpful. What advice would you give to others who are thinking about studying to improve their career? The CIPP’s Foundation Degree is well- rounded and will help individuals improve already acquired skills and gain more while they are at it. So, I would say, go for it! How did you manage the work- life balance and your study? Do you have any tips for others in the same position?
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | September 2021 | Issue 73 14
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