What it’s like to be an ILM Candidate
Recently I joined a group of ILM Level 3 candidates over lunch for a quick chat about their course; I then left some feedback forms so that we can try to improve the course for future students. I have summarised the candidates feedback, if you are a manager looking for tips, or looking into a management course for yourself or others at your organisation here are some helpful points about management and the ILM course.
How has the ILM course helped you at work?
Candidates seemed impressed with how transferable the skills were, most felt more confident in decisions they made at work as a result of the course. Some were more specific and found that their time management had improved.
Differences you have instigated in your workplace as a result of the ILM?
The general response was that the skills were easy to take out of the classroom and into the workplace; some candidates have begun designing specific goals to help use time more effectively. Other responses included: more balance between focus on the task, team, and individual; greater understanding of effective change process; and better workload management.
Benefits of the reflective review and work based assignment?
One of the reasons candidates seemed to find the lessons learnt so easy to apply at their workplace was having work based assignments and reflective reviews. The assignments helped candidates to bridge the gap between theory and practical. It also encouraged reflection to push improvement at work.
Describe the overall benefit of the ILM training…
Some benefits candidates listed included:
A better focus on management style, what you do well, and where you can improve.
A good learning curve and an excellent tutor, delivered the course well every week.
‘Allowed me to make positive changes in the workplace; helped to install confidence.’
Given good framework to consider different elements of management role and how to manage others more effectively.
‘The ILM training will help me become an effective manager and help me progress within my role.’
Speaking to the group they all agreed that they would recommend the course to someone in a similar position to themselves, they also admitted that they weren’t 100% sure what to expect when coming on the course. Candidates were pleased with the progress they felt they had made, and felt they had made progress at work as a result. Hopefully using their feedback future candidates will have a better idea before starting the course and just as many benefits at the end. A big thank you to the group for their feedback; and a big well done to Michelle the course trainer, the feedback forms were full of praise. Take a look at the questions and answers below.
Feedback
How the ILM has helped you at work?
Identify hints and tips to use in the workplace especially around time management.
Has helped me to become a better manager and made me more confident in my decisions
Highlighted theory and allowed a transferable knowledge to the workplace
ILM has helped me understand the importance of being an effective manager and has provided me skills and tools to take away and apply them in my working environment.
Time management application of skills learning theory – very digestible
Differences you have instigated in your workplace as a result of the ILM?
Taking time away from desk to ensure quality time to complete tasks.
Working on inductions and making them better for new employees
Designed organisation specific appraised goals. Planned effective use of time.
More balance between my focus on the task team and individual; greater understanding of effective change process; improved time management.
I found covering time management helped me try some techniques at work and it helped me prioritise my workload.
I manage my workload better.
Benefits of the reflective review and work based assignment?
Work Based Assignment has given me the opportunity to investigate an issue that has been problematic for a while.
Made me think what I was doing and to think about my role.
Bridged theory/practical gap. Allowed reflection on my role and individual roles.
Helped take forward what learned from course to apply to workplace.
Completing the reflective reviews and the work based assignment allows you to apply the different models to examples in your work.
Reflection and encouraged further learning, between the services – joined them up
Describe the overall benefit of the ILM training…
Focus on management styles and what you do well and where you can improve.
Very good learning curve and an excellent tutor in Michelle delivered the course excellently every week.
Allowed me to make positive changes in the workplace. Helped install confidence.
Given good framework to consider different elements of management role and how to manage more effectively.
The ILM training will help me become an effective manager and help me progress within my role.
Great course, skills applicable to real situations at work.
Please feel free to share your experience or to ask any questions in the comment section below.