Meet Manuri: A recent Study From Work graduate who took the HR micro-credential to support her management role
Manuri Mudalige recently completed the HR micro-credential with Study From Work.
Did you know that Study From Work offers NZQA-accredited micro-credentials? This micro-credentials are designed for those already in the workforce who are looking to upskill and improve their knowledge.
Manuri Mudalige recently completed the HR micro-credential, which offers 15 credits at Level 5. She was already working in a HR role, but wanted to further upskill and expand her knowledge.
We took the opportunity to ask Manuri a few questions about her experience!
What does your study & career journey look like?
My background is in recruitment, with a strong foundation in the tech industry, where I’ve helped scale teams and connect top talent with growing businesses. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the broader aspects of HR—particularly how culture, employee engagement, and strategic people management can make or break an organisation. That led me to pursue the Human Resources, People and Culture micro-credential. It was the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge beyond recruitment and understand the full employee lifecycle from an HR perspective.
What are some of the challenges working in human resources? What advice do you give others working in the sector?
HR is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with complex challenges. Balancing the needs of employees with the goals of the business is a constant juggle. You’re often navigating sensitive situations—whether it’s managing conflict, supporting wellbeing, or implementing change. My advice? Stay curious and compassionate. People want to feel heard and understood, and building that emotional intelligence is just as important as knowing policies or processes. And always keep learning—HR is evolving quickly, especially with AI and flexible work trends.
What stood out to you when completing the Human Resources, People and Culture micro credential?
What really stood out was how practical and relevant the content was. It wasn’t just theoretical—everything tied directly to real-life scenarios that you come across in the workplace. The modules on organisational culture and employee wellbeing really resonated with me, especially in today’s climate where people-first leadership is more important than ever. I also appreciated the flexibility, there was no time pressure/deadlines to complete the assignments—it allowed me to study while still working full time. My lecturer Andy was wonderful, he was readily available for a chat to guide and discuss any issues I encountered whilst doing this course.
How do you think this micro credential may help you in your role or career in future?
It’s already helped me shift from a recruitment-focused mindset to a more strategic HR lens. Understanding how recruitment ties into onboarding, retention, and culture-building has made me more effective and holistic in my approach. Long term, I see it opening up opportunities in business partnering, employee experience, and leadership roles in the people and culture space. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of Employment Law is essential to any working individual, and this course has further broadened my understanding of the rights of the employees and organisations.
Many people struggle to find the time to invest in their career with further education. What advice do you have for those who are considering completing these micro credentials in future?
I completely understand how hard it can be to juggle study with work and life. But the beauty of micro-credentials is that they’re designed to be flexible and focused—you can fit them into your schedule without feeling overwhelmed. My advice is to start small. You don’t need to do it all at once. Even dedicating a few hours a week can make a big difference. And think of it as an investment in yourself—it’s not just about career progression, but also confidence, clarity, and growth.
Add a micro-credential to your CV
Study From Work offers micro-credentials in HR, Management & Strategic Planning, Financial Planning, and Communication Management. As part of the ITC family, Study From Work is built on the decades of top-quality education and trust that we’re known for, ensuring this NZQA-accredited micro-qualification is something that will be valuable to your career for many years to come.
Contact us here with any questions or to learn more.
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