Please find below a selection of case studies about some of our members. We hope that you find these interesting and that they may inspire you to get the best out of your iam membership.

Debbie Shawcross MInstAM (Dip)

Debbie is a great exponent of Life Long Learning, and a very good example of what the IAM could do for you.

Ten years ago, she began studying a business programme but really wasn't happy with the course content: It didn't seem to make any difference at all," she said.

Debbie searched for more appropriate qualifications in administration and found the Institute of Administrative Management's International Diploma. She was working full time as an administrator and the modular structure of the course seemed ideal, for her busy life.

She says: "The IAM's Diploma helped me get good jobs - doors opened for me, and my confidence grew. My graduation ceremony was a great experience, too, my family were so proud.

Debbie was promoted to Manager at the firm. She also found time to fit in a law degree and two children, as well as her job. Eventually she set up her own business (Driveway Designs) and enjoyed becoming involved in all aspects of the business.

Currently, she is engaged in a full time post graduate course in Law. Although with her company to run and the children (three, now) it's not easy to fit it all in...

Debbie says

" I would never have come so far without the iam's Diploma as a starting point. It taught me how to study and how to divide my time - skills I really need now.

There's no question that it set me on the right trail."

Debbie is a shining example of what an iam qualification in administrative management - plus a lot of hard work and dedication - can help you achieve.

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 IAM 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."