Learning and Development Student Stories:
CIPD Student Stories: Sarhang Abdul Smin | CIPD Level 5 Diploma

To gain a supervisory role in his current company, Sarhang is building on his existing knowledge, skills and expertise in Learning and Development.

Since April 2020, I have been working as a Training and Development Coordinator for Crescent Petroleum, the oldest and largest private upstream oil and gas company in the Middle East. Founded in 1971, Crescent Petroleum is currently operating in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Being involved in training and development work on a daily basis has given me an excellent understanding of the administrative and management aspects of the role, both of which I find fascinating and challenging.

In October last year, I decided to broaden my professional and academic experience, with the aim of advancing into a supervisory role within the organisation.

To explore my options, I began researching online and seeking advice from professionals with similar backgrounds, mainly through LinkedIn. I wanted to know which qualifications were most highly recommended and what my options were in terms of study format.

Eventually, I narrowed my choices down to either an MBA or a CIPD qualification.

After further thought and discussion, I opted for a CIPD qualification, specifically, the Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development, as it best suited my existing level of L&D expertise and knowledge.

My manager was eager to move forward quickly, so I enrolled with ICS Learn in 2023.

Committing to this course has allowed me to significantly develop my skills, and so far, I have been both challenged and impressed by the breadth of knowledge and academic research I have gained.

I can honestly say that this has been the most valuable and comprehensive training I have undertaken in my 12 years of professional experience.

Choosing ICS Learn was the best step I could have taken to advance my career goals.

Their decades of expertise, CIPD accredited qualifications, and user-friendly learning platform have made my study experience incredibly enjoyable.

Equally important has been the consistent 24/7 academic and professional support from tutors and the dedicated student services team.

Their efficiency and commitment have been essential to my success.

Initially, I was skeptical about online learning. I had concerns about lack of engagement, reduced accountability, and the absence of face-to-face instruction.

However, this experience has completely changed my perspective.

Studying flexibly at my own pace, avoiding long commutes to a physical classroom, and maintaining direct communication with my tutor has been life-changing.

Having all the necessary resources and materials in one place has made learning more accessible and kept me organised and on track.

All of this has been possible thanks to ICS Learn and their dedicated teams. I would highly recommend them to anyone wishing to complete a fully accredited, internationally recognised qualification online.

If you're like Sarhang and keen to build on your existing L&D expertise, enrol on a fully accredited Level 5 Associate Diploma with ICS Learn.