What does a HR Graduate do?

I work in a generalist HR role, with responsibilities including recruitment, company induction, absence management, employee relations, employee engagement and various graduate projects. I work as part of a team, supporting employees and managers in the workplace. Alongside this, I am studying for my Level 5 CIPD qualification to support my development.

How did you end up in this job?

I studied an HR pathway at University and found it very fascinating and enjoyable. I applied for HR graduate schemes during my final year of university and was lucky enough to be selected. Although I didn’t have specific HR experience, I had several customer and people-development roles with transferable skills, I think this really supported my application.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of pursuing this career?

Try and get some work experience such as an internship, placement year or part time work in an HR department. This will be a real benefit if deciding to apply for a graduate scheme which can be extremely competitive.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

In five years time, I would love to be an experienced HR Advisor, using my knowledge and skills in supporting employees and managers within the workplace.

If you could give your 16 year old self some career advice, what would it be?

You don’t need to have a specific career path, choose a path that interests you and the rest will follow. You can change your mind a thousand times, no one has it figured out yet either.