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Associate Member... unable to find work experience opportunity

Michael

Hell All,

Thank you for reading my post. 

I could do with some advice from the community, I retrained from an Engineering job into HR due to family reasons, I have completed a BA(Hons) in Human Resource Management and I achieved a First, I am now also studying for an MSc in Human Resource Management so my CIPD Associate Membership status will soon be Level 7.

However, I am really struggling to find anywhere that will give me a chance to obtain some direct working experience, I have applied through Graduate schemes and have in general performed well, making the final stage at BP and Sellafield. However, when I apply for any other jobs, they tend to be either entry level, of which I never receive a response or at the level matching my qualifications, but unfortunately all requiring previous working experience in an HR role. I am even struggling to obtain a voluntary position, as I realise that direct working experience in HR is probably a stumbling block for me.

Does anybody have any advice on how I may get past the first hurdle and convince an organisation to take a chance on me? I am literally willing to work for free at this stage to prove that I am worth the investment.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Michael

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  • in reply to Steven
    Hi Steven, there are a number of areas that I can link, which I do, for starters I did complete a junior management and leadership course whilst I was with the RAF. In terms of LinkedIn, I am only there and I try to engage with it but I am not a fan of social media and it's my only social media account. I am not overly comfortable sharing things due to my military past.

    As far as my CIPD local branch is concerned, no I have not engaged with them but at the same time up until this point I did not realise this was an option.

    Thank you for your reply.
  • in reply to Michael
    Would 'civil servant' work for your LinkedIn profile instead of RAF?
  • in reply to Michael

    I am also ex-military, Michael, although in a green suit & now dark blue with Cadets. Please drop a DM if you'd like to connect on LinkedIn.

    Ironically I landed my first HR job (in Education) based on previous experience as a School Bursar. While not formally qualified I had covered HR in that role and was appointed as I understand the business side and how schools tick as well as having solid knowledge of all the regulatory side that is specific to schools.

    My local CIPD Branch (Chilterns) is great. There are monthly meetings and some really good networking, I do miss some meetings because of work or because the subject matter is really specialised, but it's a great resource to have.

    Good luck!