If you’re considering a CMI qualification and wondering what it’s really like to study alongside work and life commitments, you’re not alone. We spoke to Valentina Bucioc, who recently completed the CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management and Leadership with Oxford College of Management.
In this blog post, Valentina shares why she chose Oxford College of Management, how she balanced studying with a full-time job and her best advice for anyone starting their own CMI journey.
What made you choose Oxford College of Management for your CMI studies?
Given my limited budget and time, I also researched other options, but I chose Oxford College of Management because of the extensive customer service I received when enquiring about courses. This helped me trust that there would be somebody to talk to in case of needing support.
Additionally, the cost for the Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management and Leadership included 3 units (instead of just 2) and a free Project Management course. This definitely sealed the deal for me.
How did you balance studying alongside work and other commitments?
I struggled at first due to my full-time job and other activities/events happening. I had to change my way of studying and postpone an assessment session during the course.
A good way to balance is to start working directly on the assessment rather than studying generally, and then start writing.
In this manner, I focused on the main points and expanded from there.
Accepting time constraints and general limitations helps to gain a better understanding of oneself and the actual dedicated efforts (doing and being good enough). It helps to prioritise better while keeping the bigger picture in mind. Hence, mindset and mental capacity are important.
So when things interfere with the schedule, it’s good to reassess the distribution of resources (time and energy). In my case, I had to postpone a session, rather than just push through. This helped me deal with other things and avoid investing more superficial effort (spreading myself thin) into something that might not have been sufficient for a pass.
What was happening in your career that made this the right time to start?
Not much. That was the reason I decided to start doing something.
While browsing job opportunities and speaking with some people, the management course came up a few times, alongside the Marketing one. So I decided to give it a try, in the hopes of upskilling and finding something more lucrative.
What helped you stay motivated and keep progressing through the course?
The fact that I paid for it definitely motivated me!
During the process, especially with some of the more boring bits, I reminded myself of how I could apply the knowledge in my day-to-day life, not just in the corporate/work world. Skills such as managing resources, budgeting, communicating with people, etc.
As mentioned above, it is reminding yourself of the reason you’re doing it. These skills are transferable and can invite reflection upon oneself.
What’s your top tip for anyone starting the course?
- Personalise your study plan and don’t let too much time pass between study sessions and assessments.
Check what is required to pass and expand on what interests you most. - Apply the knowledge to your life and needs.
- Make it yours, and don’t be afraid to add some of your own “signature”/experience in the mix.
Make the process as enjoyable or at least less tedious as possible. - Understand that a lot of what you’re learning is how things should be and not necessarily how they always are.
- Reflect upon what you’re studying. This is how you assimilate best.
Thinking about studying a CMI course with Oxford College of Management? Explore our Leadership and Management Courses and study options online, or contact our team if you’d like advice on choosing the right programme.