Laura A.
About me
| Laura A. | |
| Management | |
| Human Resource Management | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Wentworth | |
| 2015 | |
| Germany |
My employment
| Divisional HR Business Partner | |
| IMI plc | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Engineering and manufacturing | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2016 |
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A day in the life of a Divisional HR Business Partner in the United Kingdom
HR is in any industry but I always wanted to go into an industry with high quality and skilled products and people so engineering was one of them
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
We provide breakthrough engineering for some of the most mission critical and demanding applications in a wide range of industries: from hydrogen refueling stations, a valve that can hold the force of a jet engine, to intensive care respirators used in the fight against Covid-19.
What do you do?
I am responsible for divisional-wide HR projects such as culture and engagement and Graduate recruitment, as well as Growth Hub activities which looks at new revenue streams for our customers. I am working remotely from the UK but have a regional role, with our Headquarters based in Switzerland.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I completed my Masters in HR and wanted to go straight into this field, however, with only overseas work experience I struggled to land a HR role in the UK straight away. I therefore worked temporarily in the customer experience/data analytics field. Temp agencies such as Adecco are great to obtain some relevant skills! Also looked on the key UK websites (indeed.co.uk) and would definitely use the network around you (LinkedIn, Uni, student organisations, professional organisations such as CIPD).
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
HR is in any industry but I always wanted to go into an industry with high quality and skilled products and people so engineering was one of them
Describe your most memorable day at work
For one of my placements I moved to Poland with not knowing the language, area or any people. It was scary but an amazing experience as it pushed me out of my comfort zone!
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Absolutely - daily challenges and opportunities! You have to be pro-active but also adapt and react fast which is also the beauty of a HR job.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
I have worked from home for a year now due to the pandemic and we have been great at adapting and supporting each other. It is a truly authentic environment with a personal touch.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I only had one year but supported the Uni with some data analytics work, loved the board game club, took part in all CIPD/HR events and volunteered as panel member there. Public speaking is not my favourite so it was a good opportunity to learn!
What would you like to do next with your career?
I have recently been promoted to a role with lots of exposure globally and am learning daily so I am completely happy.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Your life and career won't be linear so be brave and open to any kind of opportunities - you will learn from each experience that will come your way (personally and career-related).
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Career in HR (generalist topics and more specialised such as reward, employment law etc) as well as tips on recruitment/careers in general, Graduate schemes, international experience (Europe market, in particular Switzerland & Germany).
Next steps...
If you like the look of Laura’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Laura a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Laura to be your mentor.