Patricia Wall MInstAM(AdvDip)
"Feeling bored as a secretary at Norwich Union, I decided to make a career change and began studying the iam qualifications at Norwich City College in 1995, initially only to study Certificate and Diploma. I enjoyed the subject and was able to implement much of what I had learnt into my working practice, setting up and improving systems within the workplace. With the qualifications came promotion and gravitas (which I enjoyed immensely) so I decided to continue studying - this time for the Advanced Diploma by distance learning.
During this time I became involved with the local iam Branch ( East Anglia) running projects: organising an awareness campaign to increase the number of members and students in the region, establishing the Education Liaison Group and organising local student workshops. An added bonus of being involved in these projects was that I was able to gain experience outside my work environment.
The achievement of the iam Advanced Diploma fired my ambition to study for the MBA and so in 1998 I moved to London. The iam qualifications were well received and I secured a strategic role working directly for the EMEA HR Director of Coopers and Lybrand on projects in preparation for the merger of Coopers & Lybrand with Price Waterhouse to form the new company PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Whilst a very demanding role, (it also involved travelling round Europe business class and staying in 5 star hotels) I still managed to fit in studying for the MBA. This role together with my increasing knowledge, led to promotion to HR Project Manager working directly for the HR Global Leader (and travel to America and Australia as well as Europe).
I am now MBA qualified, currently working for Transport for London as HR Systems Project Manager, and have been elected to the iam Council.
Studying for the iam qualifications has certainly changed my life."
