Alumna returns to campus for guest lecture
HRM Manager and alumna of the Management School, returned to campus on the 31st March to deliver a guest speaker session to current MSc Human Resource Management students.
Sarah spoke about her motivations for pursuing a career in HRM and detailed her career journey upon graduating from the programme in 2015. She is currently working as a HR Manager for Vaultex after starting with the company in an entry-level position.
Sarah said: “My links to the university have enabled Vaultex to provide skills and opportunities to current students and alumni. Not only does this improve the employability of those involved but it provides our business with a high calibre of potential future employees, facilitating continuous improvement for our business and HR function”.
Her role involves supporting a body of employees, creating reports around conversations and progress within the company as well as strategical elements. She is responsible for aligning CSR strategy with business objectives as well as managing employment surveys as just one aspect of ensuring continuous improvement. Sarah is currently working to manage mental health related sickness by working with the organisation time to change, in order to support employees by tackling the stigma around mental health. She is also working on revamping Vaultex’s employee value proposition in order to improve recruitment and retention.
Sarah added: “For those currently looking for work in the field of HR, you will be more successful if you can tailor your CV to the job you are applying for using your transferable skills. A job placement in HR also helps to show you are used to working in a busy HR function and possess the skills such a role requires. Also, once you’ve graduated, the HR PIN is a brilliant opportunity to meet other HR professionals and take advantage of the opportunities and knowledge within our existing alumni. The HR PIN ensures you are always up to date with the latest research in the field, and that you are continuously learning and applying new ideas in practice – this makes it a perfect addition to your CPD, and one which I would encourage all with an HR interest to get involved with.
The talk was followed by a Q&A session and a CV and interview skills session.
Sarah is an active member on our HR PIN committee. The Professional Interest Networks offer professional development support, continuous learning, and networking opportunities for all alumni.