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To specialise or not?

Hi All 

I'm looking for some advice, I've recently gone through a restructure where HR/Payroll has merged to create a larger 'people' focused department. Our business employs around 3000+ staff and both teams were under resourced in coping so the merge made sense. 

Prior to this the central admin team had two HR Coordinators and x2 HR assistants (my role was coordinator however I would say I was more of a generalist with the inability to travel so didn't have the title!) 

A new role of Talent Advisor was created which I have taken on as I came from a recruitment background and have naturally gravitated towards it in this business, I've always been support for Hiring Managers and project managed alongside the HRBP implementation of ATS software. 

So far I am enjoying the role, there is a lot to do and I have lots of ideas I don't work in a structured Company so it is very much my own department to build on I suppose my question is am I silly to box myself off into a specialist area and will this come back to bite me if I want to move into a HRBP or generalist role in the future? 

I am really enjoying the opportunities I will get with this new role but do miss some aspects of my previous role, I am currently studying for my Level 5 (Consultant/Partner apprenticeship) which I've worked really hard towards and don't want to think I'll have limited career opportunities if I stick with this role long term. My other thought was do I treat this role as a project and look elsewhere if I'm not enjoying it 12 months down the line? 

Hope this makes sense and looking forward to hearing any advice you can give! 

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  • My simple advice is do a job you love and can succeed at. That will open up far more options than trying to get sone sort of perfect cv.

    So grab the opportunities in this new role and then see where you are in 12/18/24 months.
  • Totally agree with Keith. It sounds like you have a great opportunity to build something which will lead to new opportunities! Plus, your Level 5 course will develop and evidence your wider understanding of the HR function.

    Depending what your BP is like (?) it might also be worth having a chat with them when you're coming towards the end of your apprenticeship - maybe along the lines of how you can continue to develop your skills across the organisation... Let us know how you get on!