Hopefully we’re all settling into our new ways of working now, whether that’s from home, back in the office or a hybrid. Each of these scenarios bring pros and cons. Downsides include feeling cut off from colleagues and the missing ‘lean over the desk’ for homeworkers, or not being able to connect with people in the same sector for those accessing a shared workspace. On the flipside, one of the main benefits people have recently noted is the extra time home working has freed up.
After all the essential commitments have been tended to, you might be wondering if you have any time left over to dedicate to an ARMA Qualification? There is definitely a generous commitment needed – the handbook states 240 hours for Foundation and 180 hours for Advanced. This might sound a lot, but it’s not as onerous as it sounds. It also comes with the added benefit of joining a like-minded community.
Firstly, we recognise that everyone is different. We all have different commitments, so for some, it’s easier to work through the two-year completion period utilising evenings and weekends. For others, it can be a bit trickier. At ARMA, we have learned to adapt to the needs of our student community by listening to feedback and acting on it. While we do still encourage you to work towards a two-year course completion, we now offer support in the way of flexible extensions to help get you over the finish line.
Secondly, part of this time commitment is guided learning, so you will be supported along the way. ARMA Qualifications are now completely online, which includes live unit webinars and online discussions spaced over the first year, and the invitation to join us again in the second year as needed. We are also continuously developing our resource hub on Microsoft Teams, where students have unlimited access to webinar recordings and documents to watch anytime that suits, with the added bonus of linking in with course peers and unit presenters to discuss.
While online meetings remain very marmite, it can’t be denied that this medium has made things much more accessible for a much wider audience. And with ARMA Qualifications you can be sure to link in with others in the same boat from all over the UK, all willing to exchange knowledge and share best practice. Also, as an ARMA member you are invited to join our SIGs (specialist interest groups) to extend your knowledge and network even further.
And finally, you can contact the Qualifications Delivery Officer whenever you need throughout your time of study, for friendly support, advice and encouragement. Working towards the Certificate in Research Management could be easier than you think!
