Hi

 

R.e. Networking / Career guidance

 

I am currently working for in Canary Wharf in the Financial Services.  Having completed my MA HRM (including CIPD) I was successfully accepted onto a graduate scheme from an initial pool of around 400 candidates.  There are four grads in total and we each rotate around a different functional area within HR every nine months (however project work means there is significant overlap across functions).  We will complete three rotations in total.  My first rotation was excellent and really did throw me in at the deep end as a HR Analyst, supporting the HR Business Partners.  In this role I gained a huge amount of exposure to Performance Management, Talent Management, BAU HR, (absence, Compensation Cycles etc) acted as Project Coordinator during two TUPE’s from large financial services organisations and successfully supported our internal clients up to Executive Board Level.  Now, I work as part of the Global Training Team and manage the EMEA training account from our London Offices.  This provides me with great scope to work with our teams all over Europe and also with key leaders in Head office Chicago as well as Bangalore.  Although L&D is not my passion, it has allowed me to get involved in the full L&D cycle and has really enhanced my networks across the Bank.  I will be moving into Recruitment in April for my last nine months which I am delighted about. 

 

I also have a keen interest in Project Management and Northern Trust is supporting my PMI qualification which I am due to complete shortly.

 

At this stage, I see myself in a consultancy role in the future as this is the type of activity I enjoy the most. I have a natural flare with people and enjoy providing strategic people solutions to the business.

 

Prior to my MA HRM, I gained a 2:1 BA Hons in History.  I have also taken a gap year and worked for The Bank Of America in a sales position for just over a year, which makes me 26 now.

 

I think I am in a good place but the next steps I make I feel are crucial to my career path? I would really appreciate some guidance on whether to choose a specialism now? Keep gaining experience in different functions to broaden my repertoire of skills? I would love more experience in employment law and compensation/benefits but this would mean moving laterally again.  Perhaps this is not a bad thing at all.

 

Appreciate any thoughts you have in advance

 

Regards

Mike