In a brand new feature, we’re taking a closer look at the working lives of some of HR Zone’s 17,000 membership. This week, Isabella Montgomery, Human Resources Officer at Thenew Housing Association gives us an insight into her professional career to date.
What’s your current job role? I work in a team of one as HR Officer for a housing association in Glasgow. It’s one of the bigger associations and is committed to rebuilding communities through social inclusion.
What did you do before this job? Personnel Officer at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Describe your route into HR. I followed the “admin” route into HR, beginning as a Personnel Clerk in a large NHS Trust.
Did you always want to work in HR? No, I never really had a vision for the future and used to work as a beer-dispensing technician before going to university. When I graduated I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to do and undertook a range of admin temping posts before developing a keen interest in HR. The years working in bars weren’t wasted, it involved a daily psychology lesson and the interpersonal and communication skills I developed at the frontline have been easily transferred to my HR role.
What would you say has been the most significant event in your career to date? I’d love to be able to put my finger on that one elusive ingredient where I could respond yes, that’s it, that’s what made me what I am today – unfortunately not.
How do you think the role of HR has changed since you began your HR career? Like everything in life HR is constantly evolving – just as well or we’d have nothing to plan for.
What single thing would improve your working life? A “mini-me” would be quite luxurious. As the only HR person in my organisation the workload can be quite demanding but I’m probably preaching to the converted!
What’s your favourite part of the HR Zone site? Any answers and also the links to other sites/ features.
Have you made contact with any other members? I’ve exchanged information with other users of the site.
Do you have any advice for those looking to embark on a career in HR? A friendly colleague once advised me to “keep your friends close and your enemies closer still”. Good advice that had me wondering for a moment which category I fitted into – it’s not as easy as it sounds!
If you’re willing to share your experiences of working in HR to date with other members, we’d like to hear from you – e-mail us to receive a copy of this questionnaire.
Previous ‘Introducing…’ features:
