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Kerry is REC’s top Certificate student

Solihull-based recruitment training manager Kerry McDaid is on top of the world after becoming the REC's top student in the Certificate in Recruitment Practice (Cert.RP), passing the exam with a Distinction.

The Certificate is one of four industry recognised qualifications offered by the REC, the representative body for the UK’s £19.7 billion private recruitment industry, to help recruitment professionals develop their career.

 Kerry has been in recruitment for 11 years, having started with the S3 Group before joining her current employer, Monarch Recruitment eight and a half years ago for whom she is now its National Coaching and Training Manager.

Originally, after graduating from university in European Languages and Business, Kerry worked in Korea for two and half years she taught English as a foreign language. She then moved to Finland where she taught business English to corporate clients.

 Kerry said: “Like many other people, I was made aware of the recruitment industry by a friend who was already working as a consultant. It sounded like a great way to forge a career in a fun environment which made use of my teaching and training skills.” 

Having started as a consultant with Monarch, specialising in permanent positions within the IT sector, she worked her way up to principal consultant and then grew and managed the company’s Thames Valley team before being appointed to her current role.

Commenting on being the top Certificate student, Kerry said:

“I was very surprised to learn that I had received the top score but thrilled to know that my hard work had paid off – on top of working and looking after a family.  I had taken the exam, not simply with the aim of passing, but to at least achieve a merit. To get a distinction and top marks is a real personal achievement and something of which I am extremely proud.” 

She added:

“I found the Certificate course more challenging than I had anticipated. However, it highlighted best practice within the industry and confirmed that what I was teaching the consultants within Monarch was industry best practice too. It certainly made me feel more confident in how and what I have been delivering on my training courses.” 

Her attainment has inspired her to aim towards taking the REC’s Diploma in Recruitment Practice or even higher qualifications – but not until after the birth of her third child next year.

In the meantime, Kerry will be developing a more structured programme for mid-level consultants working for Monarch which will be rolled out across its branches in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and Windsor.

Offering advice to other recruitment professionals taking the Certificate, Kerry said: “Have a study plan in place and spread this out over the months from when you start the course; and do not leave your revision until the last minute.”

Judith Armatage, the REC’s Director of Professional Development, said of Kerry’s achievement:

“Her results show how dedicated recruitment professionals continue to strive for the highest possible standards within this industry.

"We never cease to be amazed by the dedication and commitment the students apply to successfully completing their courses, especially in Kerry’s case where she also has a young family to care for as well as holding an important strategic position within her company.”