Alan Flannery

Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic People Management

Sligo

Can you tell us your name, job title and the course you are studying at ATU? 

Alan Flannery 

HR Consultant – HRSCOUT

PgDip in Strategic People Management 

Can you share your career path to date?

My career in HR began as an Intern in 2012 and then progressed to HR Administrator after I graduated with a Bachelor of Business degree from IT Sligo in 2014. Since then, I have been privileged to have had some great opportunities and inspiring mentors while working in HR in the manufacturing, engineering, non-profit and hospitality Industries. Over the years I have advanced my career from HR Generalist to HR Business Partner, to then leading a team as an HR Operations Manager, and now working as an HR Consultant. 

Education and upskilling have been integral to my career progression and in a dynamic field such as HR, a commitment to continuous learning is necessary to grow and develop as a professional. During my career I have pursued various qualifications and certifications in HR to further enhance my knowledge and expertise, such as a further diploma in Learning & Development, CIPD professional experience assessment, a coaching accreditation, and a yellow belt in Lean Six Sigma. I have been very fortunate to work with excellent people on my journey to date, and to have had the opportunity to work on projects that have made positive changes and meaningful contributions to organisations.

What does your current role involve?

In my current role as an HR consultant, I provide advisory services to clients across various industries. I collaborate closely with my clients to gain an understanding of their unique HR needs and challenges, by conducting comprehensive assessments of their current HR practices, identifying areas for improvement, and developing tailored strategies and solutions to address their needs in areas such as recruitment and selection, talent management, performance evaluation, employee relations, and organisational development.

What motivated you to start studying? 

For some time, I had been contemplating pursuing a postgraduate qualification to further upskill and transition from an operational to a strategic role in human resource management. When I came across the new postgraduate options offered by ATU, it felt like the ideal pathway to advance my career in HR.

Why did you choose this course from ATU?

I chose this course for several reasons. Firstly, the course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) which underscores its quality and relevance in the field of human resource management. Secondly, the part-time nature of the course and the option for online classes provided the flexibility I needed to continue my professional commitments while pursuing further education. This flexibility was crucial for me to balance work, personal life, and studies effectively.

How did you find the process of studying online? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging? 

Studying online has been a positive experience for me. One aspect that I found particularly helpful was the flexibility it offered. Being able to access course materials and participate in lectures from anywhere with an internet connection allowed me to fit my studies around my professional and personal commitments. The online learning platform provides a wealth of resources and tools to support studying and the ability to revisit lectures and review course materials at my own pace also proved very beneficial.

How did you balance work and study?

Initially this was a challenge, balancing work, study, and personal commitments required me to be more disciplined with my time management and create a new weekly schedule to stay on track with coursework and deadlines. Once I had established this routine, it became easier to find the balance and stay organised.

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying online?

For those considering online study, it can be a very flexible option to achieve your educational goals, but it is a commitment and to make the most of your online learning experience you need to manage your time effectively, stay organized, engage with course materials, and seek support when needed.

In what way has studying online with ATU benefitted your career?

The course has given me access to the latest information, technologies, and insights into HR strategy and practices. The modules are designed not only to equip students with theoretical knowledge but also expose them to innovative practices and trends in the field. The diverse range of guest lecturers and industry experts brought invaluable real-world experience and perspectives to the class, offering practical knowledge about how strategy can be applied in organisations.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

Learning about innovative technologies and strategies being adopted by leading companies has been invaluable, giving me a fresh perspective on HR and enabling me to implement forward-thinking approaches in my own work. This exposure has not only enhanced my professional skills but also positioned me as a strategic HR thinker.

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role? 

Absolutely. The course is designed to bridge theory with practice and is directly applicable to any role in HR or people management. Whether it was understanding recruitment strategies or implementing performance management systems, the knowledge and skills I acquired through my studies directly informed my decision-making and actions in the workplace. The insights gained from case studies and assignments provided me with practical tools and strategies that I could immediately leverage to enhance day to day HR practices.