Career development with HR180: My Journey by Jen Fisk

After 2 years working at HR180, it is now my time to move on, but not before I tell you all about my HR180 journey and why I believe one of the reasons I have been able to move into a development role is because of the experience I have gained here.

I always knew I wanted to work in HR but, as I am sure some of you are aware, trying to find a job straight out of university is not the easiest task. Every job description I looked at asked for previous HR experience or previous office experience – neither of which I had. Just when I thought it was time to give up, I saw the HR180 advert. HR180 were looking for a graduate with personality, a passion for HR and a willingness to learn. These attributes were deemed more important than previous HR experience – perfect!

To my knowledge, traditional HR entry level roles are generally centred around administration, perhaps just dealing with offer letters, contracts and the day to day support of an HR function. One of the positives about working with HR180 is that we are exposed to wide range of HR areas which means we get real opportunities for development and growth – and very quickly…

From knowing very little about HR (other than undertaking a summer placement with Virgin Media HR) in my first week I was accompanying my HR Manager to a client visit to meet with the CFO. Not only did this happen in my first week, but the company I was visiting just happened to be our biggest client – and still is!! In week two, I was on client-site holding contract and handbook consultations for a company who started with us at a similar time to me – it was great to have opportunity to grow alongside them. A couple of months later, I was doing my first investigation (which was by no means a straightforward one in the world of HR).

Following on from the initial, fast paced development, I was able to continue to grow and take on more complex work and within a year, I was handling my own client case load!

Not only have I had the chance to get exposure to a vast range of HR areas, I have also had the opportunity to get time off to study for my CIPD qualification – something that I have been very keen to work towards from day one.

Taking all of the above into account, I strongly believe that one of the reasons I have been able to develop into my next role is because of the experience I have gained working with HR180. While it has definitely been challenging at times, and I was undeniably thrown in at the deep end, looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way!

All of the HR180 team wish Jen every success in her new role! Compare notes with our newest team member, Samantha Mitchell, who has written a blog about her HR180 journey here. We can help you with your people development too – in any sector or industry. Contact the HR180 Heroes for a chat through your needs.