Transition from University to work: why I chose HR

As the newest member of the HR180 Ltd team (Outsourced HR and HR Consulting experts based in Leeds) we asked Samantha Mitchell who recently graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a First Class Honours Degree in History, to tell us about why she made her career choice and about her journey to the HR180 team.

My Journey – Samantha Mitchell

Samantha Mitchell, HR Assistant, HR180 Ltd.

After three years of late nights, completing numerous essays and reading countless history books it feels like a breath of fresh air working for HR180, especially because my colleagues have all been so welcoming!

As a former history student I naturally research everything and funnily enough this is one of the reasons I chose to start my career working within Human Resources. After reading a report which outlined the importance of managing mental health in the workplace, I was immediately inspired to read more and investigate my future career options.

Every HR related job that I came across during my search appeared to want the same thing, someone with experience or the degree equivalent. Not a single one of the vacancies that I came across was looking for somebody who had little experience (even if they were extremely passionate about pursing a career within HR and enthusiastic to learn).

That’s why I couldn’t believe my luck when I saw the position available at HR180: their recruitment process was challenging, but fun at the same time, and I never thought for a moment that I would get the job. But I did and I could not be more excited to start my career with such a fantastic company.

Why HR180?

The team at HR180 genuinely care about their clients and are willing to go the extra mile to help and assist when needs be. This in particular was one of the reasons why I chose to apply as building strong relationships with people is really important to me. I believe having a good reputation is essential in life as well as in business and I have found that HR180 really has these characteristics embedded into its culture.

How has my time been since starting at HR180?

My time at HR180 so far has been amazing and I am thoroughly enjoying working here, my new colleagues have mastered the balance between being professional and having fun (which means we can always have a giggle even on a Monday morning). The amount of support I have received is exceptional because my induction and training has been tailored to fit my personal abilities.

To add to this, my new colleagues at HR180 have not only made me feel like a valuable member of the team but they have also given me an invaluable opportunity to develop and grow within the world of HR.

During my first few weeks I have certainly been ‘thrown into the deep end’ but I wouldn’t have it any other way, mainly because I have learnt so much in such a short space of time. Working closely with both HR Managers and Assistants means I have already had exposure to many HR related issues – this is something I would not have been able to experience anywhere else so early on in my career.

Where do I see myself in the future?

Next year I plan to start studying for my CIPD qualification, alongside my work with HR180. Then within the next three years I aim to be in a position where I can help and advise clients without any assistance.

For another view of life at HR180, take a look at Jen Fisk’s recent blog here. We help our clients to work out meaningful development plans for their employees too, as well as for our own amazing team! If you’d like a chat about the people in your business please call the HR180 Heroes on 0113 287 8150 or 0845 458 5881.