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

As with some others, completely by accident. I originally trained to do something far more arty, and when that didn't work out I got a job doing admin, then moved on to a very large retail store as the store secretary, looking after Reception and supporting the Personnel Department. I ended up managing the huge number of temporary staff, then supporting with note taking on disciplinary and grievances - when a job for a Personnel Administrator came up I applied and got it. With the same company I then was lucky enough to get an Area Training role, then HR Manager for a smaller store. Many years, a PG Dip in HRM and several job moves later I'm the HR Manager UK for an international sink and tap manufacturer/ retailer.

It all came down that initial support role - it got me interested in the department, and the department interested in me!

As with some others, completely by accident. I originally trained to do something far more arty, and when that didn't work out I got a job doing admin, then moved on to a very large retail store as the store secretary, looking after Reception and supporting the Personnel Department. I ended up managing the huge number of temporary staff, then supporting with note taking on disciplinary and grievances - when a job for a Personnel Administrator came up I applied and got it. With the same company I then was lucky enough to get an Area Training role, then HR Manager for a smaller store. Many years, a PG Dip in HRM and several job moves later I'm the HR Manager UK for an international sink and tap manufacturer/ retailer.

It all came down that initial support role - it got me interested in the department, and the department interested in me!