“Interesting, Engaging and Enjoyable”: What It’s Like to Study ILM at 萌妹社区
Thinking about taking the next step in your leadership journey? We spoke with one learner who recently completed the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management. From balancing work and study to discovering the power of emotional intelligence, Tom Clark left the course a more proactive and inclusive leader.
Why 萌妹社区?
鈥淥ur workplace has a partnership with 萌妹社区 and for some time now all our learning has been through 萌妹社区 for this type of course. However, I couldn鈥檛 have asked for any more than the College offered. The course tutor was excellent, very knowledgeable, supportive and understanding.鈥�
What key things have you learned studying ILM Level 5?
鈥淚 studied ILM level 5 and learned many key things. It was insightful to gain a knowledge and background on how decisions are made, how workplace culture develops and can be shaped and the marked differences between a manager and a leader. Developing innovation and change and understanding how to embed these to shape future opportunities was excellent, and in particular, how to understand and utilise the strategies and philosophies that can shape future development and put in place strong foundations to build on, always looking for ways to do things better, improve processes and always get the best from the team (how to include them and keep them actively involved).鈥�
How has your course helped you in your current role?
鈥淪ome of the course content I was able to utilise straightaway. Emotional intelligence was a particular favourite. I was able to evaluate myself, better understand how to deal with difficult situations and respond in a much more proactive and sustainable manner. Understanding the different motivational factors and how individuals respond differently to each has allowed me to 鈥榞row鈥� and develop myself to be more inclusive and, I would say, an altogether better person in my current role.鈥�
Has the course been easy to manage alongside your job?
鈥淲hilst initially it appeared to look overwhelming in trying to 鈥榝ind time鈥� to complete the course content alongside working full time hours I found that with planning there was sufficient time to complete each module, gain some feedback, (ask any questions or seek guidance) and prepare to start on the next. It almost became like a cycle where I could complete one task and then be in readiness for the next. A great benefit to working whilst learning is that the course content is shaped in such a way that I was able to review 鈥榣ive鈥� decisions I was making, how I was operating and incorporate the course learning 鈥榬eal time鈥� making a big difference to my day to day working.鈥�
Do you have a message for anyone thinking of applying to this course?
鈥淒on鈥檛 delay, apply and do this course! It鈥檚 relevant and meaningful and will bring benefit to you and your workplace. And it鈥檚 never a case of being too old to learn. I鈥檓 in my 50s now and definitely learned some insightful lessons and gained a lot of understanding that has shaped how I operate.鈥�
Describe your learning experience in three words
鈥淚nteresting, engaging and enjoyable.鈥�
The ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management is designed for experienced professionals such as project managers, department heads, and middle managers who want to enhance their leadership capabilities and prepare for senior roles. The course focuses on developing strategic leadership, motivating teams, and driving innovation and change through practical, real-world learning. Delivered through a series of online sessions, it allows learners to apply new skills directly to their current roles while balancing work and study commitments.