Career development insight
Diary of a student…
Nicola Stanton BA (Hons) FCIPP Payroll manager, Game Retail UK Ltd
assignments – but it is only for eighteen months. I kept to a strict deadline and celebrated each stage. After each module I had a month off before the next one started, which gave me time with my family. My grades gave me inspiration, knowing my hard work was paying off. With module one completed of your course, how do you think you did and was it what you expected? Module one was change management which I very much enjoyed. I use the models l’d learned every time there is a change with my job, which seems to be monthly. I applied the same formula and format I used in my Foundation Degree, which has served me well as my first mark was 83%, a first, providing me with confidence in my ability to complete my degree. How did you see the rest of the course working out and were you getting used to making it part of your routine? I had a great one-month break after my first assignment, but I was looking forward to my second assignment. I created a count-down calendar and after each section celebrated with a glass of bubbly. We usually went on holiday after each module was handed in – even a day trip to the beach – which I looked forward to more than handing in my assignment. Happy memories with hard work. I made a very good friend in Karen Beckett on the course – she was fantastic student help for me, and we supported each other a lot. My final grade was a 2:1, and I am the first in my immediate family to attain a degree. They are so proud of me. I will treasure my time studying interesting and reflective modules. I learned more about myself than payroll and management. n
Give us a brief background into your life I took up scuba diving fourteen years ago and love travelling the world to partake in my favourite activity. My best dive to date has also been the scariest – Crystal Bay, Bali; think of a strong current dragging you down to the depths but also seeing the largest boniest fish in the world – mula mula or giant sun fish. Can you give us an insight into your career and qualifications background? I joined a bank in 1988 processing administration in the back office which provided me with essential organisational skills. After having my two children I wanted a job that fitted around childcare and joined Surrey County Council. I hated the first week but eight years later I was promoted to senior payroll officer. My team leader provided inspiration for my management style; she was professional, easy going and knowledgeable – and laughed in the face of crisis with her great sense of humour. I jumped into the private sector in 2005 which gave me further insight into payroll and my aspirations. To further my career I had to gain a qualification and CIPP were my first choice as their Foundation Degree in Payroll Management was the benchmark in payroll qualifications. The course not only provided me with management skills but also the confidence to argue my case and to influence decisions that I would once back off from.
Which course did you study and why did you choose it? I studied the BA (Hons) Applied Business and Management, as I wanted to stand out from the crowd. Only a few people achieve this degree and I wanted to prove to myself I could achieve not only a Foundation Degree but also a BA in payroll. I was only one of fourteen who graduated that year with this qualification. So, after a break of three years, I started the BA which took a further eighteen months, four assignments and a dissertation. I knew this would be difficult but achievable alongside my full- time job with the help of my family and friends. After completion of my degree in 2016 I was successful in applying for my current post and firmly believe that my qualification and gained confidence landed me the role. How important is this degree in relation to your future career? I believe it is very important, as it has provided me with a skill set that I use currently and will do so in my future career. Project management, finance, leadership and change management help me daily in my job. Also, my dissertation subject was age diversity in the work force. It’s a fascinating subject, especially as in my previous role my work colleague was over the age of retirement and now in my new role I seem to be one of the oldest. How do you cope with work-life balance and study? I seemed to eat, sleep and dream my
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Issue 49 | April 2019
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward |
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