How did you get into HR??

I fell into HR.  I left school after "A" levels and joined a bank.  Had thought about teaching but thought if I spent 3 or 4 years training and didn't like it it was a waste of money, whereas at least the bank were paying me.  Did the Banking diploma, not sure that it is still going though.  Ended in a managerial role but didn't like the way bamking was heading - money shops etc.  Then moved to a Mortgage Admin company after 10 years and had an operational management role - managing a satellite centre of 40 staff gave me some exposure to "people management" issues!  Then moved to a sister company which were taking over a competitor and was asked to undertake the HR manager role as I had an interest in HR issues, agreed to do so on the proviso that they supported me getting my CIPD qualification (well, half day off and 50% funding - so not bad).

Now do a bit of everything being a consultant - suppose training is a little like teaching but hopefully the people attending want to learn and develop, not sure about school students in the main!  Have been in HR for about 14 years now and love it - as all roles has it's frustrations of course.  Don't regret at all having had an operational background and think it does add to my credibility when I say that I can understand operational concerns - have been there and done that!  HR can sometimes been seen as remote from reality and living in an ivory tower.

Peter

I fell into HR.  I left school after "A" levels and joined a bank.  Had thought about teaching but thought if I spent 3 or 4 years training and didn't like it it was a waste of money, whereas at least the bank were paying me.  Did the Banking diploma, not sure that it is still going though.  Ended in a managerial role but didn't like the way bamking was heading - money shops etc.  Then moved to a Mortgage Admin company after 10 years and had an operational management role - managing a satellite centre of 40 staff gave me some exposure to "people management" issues!  Then moved to a sister company which were taking over a competitor and was asked to undertake the HR manager role as I had an interest in HR issues, agreed to do so on the proviso that they supported me getting my CIPD qualification (well, half day off and 50% funding - so not bad).

Now do a bit of everything being a consultant - suppose training is a little like teaching but hopefully the people attending want to learn and develop, not sure about school students in the main!  Have been in HR for about 14 years now and love it - as all roles has it's frustrations of course.  Don't regret at all having had an operational background and think it does add to my credibility when I say that I can understand operational concerns - have been there and done that!  HR can sometimes been seen as remote from reality and living in an ivory tower.

Peter