How did you get into HR/ get your first role?

I studied a completely different subject (History) and then joined a management and technology consultancy as a graduate. My first client project was essentially a HR Change/Internal Comms role on an IT outsourcing deal. I really loved that role and ended up doing quite a lot of HR/L&D/Org Change stuff as a consultant both in-house and with external clients (alongside some IT project management and CSR strategy and other bits and pieces). When it was time for me to leave consulting (the travel was not sustainable for me with some long-term health issues), I decided I wanted to specialise in HR and started a master's degree in order to get some more formal qualifications (CIPD L7) to support my existing work experience. Since then I've worked a few different HR roles, mainly in L&D/Talent.

It definitely is possible to get into HR as a grad or apprentice (e.g. Civil Service HR Fast Stream or other HR schemes) , but experience and working your way up is also an option.

I studied a completely different subject (History) and then joined a management and technology consultancy as a graduate. My first client project was essentially a HR Change/Internal Comms role on an IT outsourcing deal. I really loved that role and ended up doing quite a lot of HR/L&D/Org Change stuff as a consultant both in-house and with external clients (alongside some IT project management and CSR strategy and other bits and pieces). When it was time for me to leave consulting (the travel was not sustainable for me with some long-term health issues), I decided I wanted to specialise in HR and started a master's degree in order to get some more formal qualifications (CIPD L7) to support my existing work experience. Since then I've worked a few different HR roles, mainly in L&D/Talent.

It definitely is possible to get into HR as a grad or apprentice (e.g. Civil Service HR Fast Stream or other HR schemes) , but experience and working your way up is also an option.