People skills and a nose for business
A CAREER in human resources is about more than hiring and firing. It can be an exciting and varied job and lead to international travel and a salary over £100,000.
‘You work in many different environments and meet a lot of interesting people,’ says Claire Davies, HR manager at insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher in London.
‘You can be a business partner or specialise in change management — where a firm is planning on getting bigger or smaller — or employee development.’
Claire, who got into HR after studying psychology, adds: ‘I enjoyed understanding human behaviour and motivation.
‘I was inspired by my grandfather, who had been a head of personnel in Scotland.’
She took a postgraduate diploma in HR management and a qualification with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
‘HR skills are transferable to most sectors — you can work in the drinks industry, finance, telecoms or with entrepreneurs. Early in my career, I moved to Hong Kong to set up an Asian business hub.’
Elisabeth Ibeson, director of human resources at Arthur J. Gallagher, says: ‘Our HR recruits ideally need a degree and CIPD qualification. Good rapport is key, plus problem solving and drive.
‘ You must be as interested in business as in what makes people tick and show how you’ve added value.’
Sarah McKee-Harris, senior consultant at LMA Recruitment, says: ‘HR covers employee relations, talent acquisition and development, and organisation change.
‘ There is a trend towards qualifications in occupational psychology and MBAs, and employers look for a commercial approach.’
lmarecruitment.com, cipd.co.uk