Professional Qualifications - Leadership / Operations

[Sy1441]

I've been with my current employer for 2 years and 3 months, job is in the retail sector and role is a Regional Manager, have done similar roles for around 6 years now. Package is great, cracking car, have built a strong team who deliver results so my work life balance is now excellent. I'm keen to start pushing towards promotion which would be a "Head Of" role. It's annual appraisal time and I'm keen to add some sort of professional qualification to my CV to help me stand out and there's a scheme just been put in place to both allow the time and funding for such an endeavor. I'm 35 and dont hold any formal qualifications so wondered where to start?

[edc]

What's your objective? To increase your own knowledge or tick a box that needs ticking to keep your career moving within your industry or sector? If you're doing it only to progress within the industry then there is no point studying something that is not valued.

That all said, have a look at the ILM.

[rog007]

If you're serious about reaching your full potential, then continuous professional development is essential.

Without knowing your educational standard or academic capacity; I'd commend a first degree in a relevant discipline if you don't already have one. Done part time over 3-5 years is doable.

Concurrently, I'd consider joining the Chartered Management Institute and applying for the Chartered Manager award. And as mentioned above, bodies like the ILM provide shorter courses to also help improve your management competence.

All of those things and more will both improve your ability and mark you out as a committed manager on your CV.

Good luck!