Journeying into Human Resources

Over the past three years, I have been studying at the University of Canterbury, majoring in Management and Human Resource Management. During this time, I have had various work experiences and was selected to be a Student Ambassador for HRNZ. In terms of insight and awareness of the industry, my role as Student Ambassador has been invaluable.

Like many others, my journey into Human Resources wasn’t straightforward. After leaving Blenheim and venturing to the University of Canterbury, I had no real direction and was daunted by the unknowns of my future. However, this soon changed. After knuckling down and taking on my first HR paper, I was engrossed and eager to learn more. On top of this, I began to feel a strong sense of belonging and assurance in what I was studying. I have always wanted to work with people. I am an individual who thrives on human interaction and gets a real buzz from uplifting others, hence why I wish to seek a career in HR.

My first role in HR was in the Learning and Development (L&D) team at the Citycare Group. I managed to secure an internship where I carried out extensive research to find Citycare a fit-for-purpose e-learning platform. This was fantastic exposure, and I can take a lot away from the experience. I not only gained an in-depth understanding of the seemingly endless e-learning platforms available to the market but how to conduct myself in a professional environment. I quickly learnt how fundamental it is to understand the operating context of each business. Only then could I create a comprehensive list of requirements to take to potential vendors. Working in a blue-collar industry like Citycare revealed the many different attributes employees have and how HR managers must be aware of their differences.

My second internship was with the Marlborough District Council (MDC) at the Harbours Office. Two projects consumed my time; one on streamlining paper-based processes and another on the workplace culture. I have always been intrigued in workplace culture; how it is created and how it is sustained. The ability to bring individuals together through a shared culture, which ultimately sees employees intrinsically motivated and improve the business outputs, ties in with my ethos of why I have gone down the HR path. As a result of my experiences at both Citycare and MDC, I learnt that HR is inherently transactional, and effective Human Resources Information System (HRIS) systems can streamline traditional processes to make time for more value-added activities. This really struck a chord with me, and I wish to find a role that enables me to delve deeper into the HRIS sphere.

I really cannot stress enough how valuable being a Student Ambassador has been to me. The knowledge I have gained and the connections I have made have both built my personal brand hugely. The Canterbury branch has been incredibly welcoming, and, for a young aspiring professional, it has fostered a safe entrance into the industry. The daunting task of networking has been made much easier through the monthly branch events. As part of my ambassadorship role, I strived to build the gap between the academic and the professional. Talking from experience, I know how intimidating entering the workforce can be. If it weren’t for the internships and HRNZ, I would not be in the same position I am now. To reduce the gap, I held an interview techniques session at the University of Canterbury. With the help of two practitioners, we delivered a session for students, ensuring they present themselves the best they can for an interview, as well as how to build their personal brand. Another practitioner and I from HRNZ also went around some of the tertiary institutes to talk about paths into HR and how there are avenues like HRNZ that can prepare students for the workforce. Additionally, we are in the process of organising an HR Career Pathways event that will provide students with a chance to reduce that gap even more.

Altogether, the combination of university, work experience and HRNZ has enabled me to absorb so much more about the current HR industry. More specifically, I owe a lot of the relationships I have built with like-minded HR professionals to my ambassadorship role. I am no longer daunted by the unknowns of my future but, rather, am excited at the prospect of working in a profession where I want to learn more and more every day.

My name is Josh Winter, I have recently completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management and Human Resource Management at the University of Canterbury.

Email: winterj138@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joshwinter-4b1050146