Hello everyone,I’m currently studying for a master’s in Human Resource Management in the UK, coming from a non-HR background with a few years of work experience in another field.
I’ve been actively applying for part-time roles to gain practical HR experience alongside my studies, but I’ve found that many roles require at least 1–2 years of UK HR experience which I don’t have yet. Plus, I live in a smaller city, which makes it even more difficult to find remote opportunities.
At this point, I’m wondering if I should shift my focus to unpaid internships just to build some experience or if there might be better ways to approach this job search.
I’d really appreciate any advice on where to look or how to position myself better in applications. Thank you so much in advance!
Perhaps you could consider looking for roles that are admin based with some HR admin duties local to where you live where you could work on site. The pay may not be great but it would be a start. Alternatively perhaps write to some local companies offering your services as a HR volunteer working on site for a few hours or a day a week if you can afford to do that. Many small to medium businesses are struggling at the moment and may not have the budget to pay for HR advice or have an in house HR person so may be grateful of free HR support. Paid employment might eventually follow - you never know. I would also get in touch with your local CIPD branch and attend their meetings with a view to networking with local HR people who may be looking for an additional HR person or may know of a company that is. Many roles are not advertised and can be found by word of mouth. As you have a non HR background the CIPD local branch should be able to help you find a mentor to develop your skills and knowledge.
Perhaps you could consider looking for roles that are admin based with some HR admin duties local to where you live where you could work on site. The pay may not be great but it would be a start. Alternatively perhaps write to some local companies offering your services as a HR volunteer working on site for a few hours or a day a week if you can afford to do that. Many small to medium businesses are struggling at the moment and may not have the budget to pay for HR advice or have an in house HR person so may be grateful of free HR support. Paid employment might eventually follow - you never know. I would also get in touch with your local CIPD branch and attend their meetings with a view to networking with local HR people who may be looking for an additional HR person or may know of a company that is. Many roles are not advertised and can be found by word of mouth. As you have a non HR background the CIPD local branch should be able to help you find a mentor to develop your skills and knowledge.
