Name: Nicole L
Role: Human Resources Officer
Location: Institute for Horticultural Development Knoxfield

ABOUT MY CAREER

What does a typical day in your job involve?
I do a variety of work including:
» Recruiting new staff (from advertising, to organising interviews, sitting on interview panels, writing up selection reports, preparing offer of employment letters and commencing new employees)
» Staff induction (Making sure staff are looked after on their first day, informing staff about the Institute, ensure all personal details are obtained)
» Payroll (general helpdesk inquiries, process staff leave and teach staff how to use the electronic payroll systems)
» Training and development (In charge of keeping staff up to date on monthly training courses and teaching staff how to apply for courses)
» Organise Work Experience Programs (This involves organising weekly programs for Year 10 students as well as finding placements for tertiary students)

What do you enjoy most about your job?
» Working with a great team of people and having so much fun with them every day.
» I leave work with sore cheeks from smiling and laughing so much.

Why did you choose this career?
» I chose a career in Human Resources after completing an advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management and working in the industry for six years. I realised hospitality was not for me (and I was sick of having no life and no weekends!!).
» So I thought about another industry where I could still work with people and use my customer service skills and found that Human Resources was it.
» After looking at the types of modules covered in the Human Resources course and what sorts of jobs I could do, I realised that I could quite easily combine the skills I learnt while doing the Hospitality Advanced Diploma with the Human Resources Diploma. A great combination!

What would you like to do in the future?
» I have many career aspirations.
» I would like to return to study to broaden my Human Resources skills.
» I would like to travel overseas to experience Human Resources in another country and culture.
» Eventually I would like to see myself as a leader in Human Resources with a strong background in all aspects of Human Resources.

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT MYSELF

Where did you grow up?
» I grew up in Melbourne and spent most of my life in Park Orchards.

How did this influence your choice of career?
» I can only say that living in the Eastern Suburbs has meant that I had easy access to Box Hill TAFE where I chose to complete all of my courses.

MY EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Were courses in secondary school planned for this sort of work?
» Not that I can remember. Most classes that I did were just general ie. English, Maths, Human Development, Psychology, Biology and German.
» As Human Resources was not my initial choice after leaving school I can not really comment on whether courses targeted this area. I do however remember that a 'one day' introduction to Hospitality course was held at my school for any interested students. That was about it.

Which University or TAFE course have you completed?
» Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management.
» Diploma in Human Resources Practice.

Have you completed any work experience?
» Work experience was part of my Diploma.
» I was able to get a week of work experience in the Human Resources Department at Sofitel in Melbourne, which certainly assisted me in getting my current position.

FUTURE OPPURTUNITIES

Is there a lot of learning on the job?
» In this role it is nearly all learning on the job. A lot of it is learning certain methods/processes and ways of doing things.
» I am learning new skills all the time and I have been to a number of courses to help me at work. Courses I have completed include Payroll, Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO), Sexual Harassment, Behavioural Interviewing, Occupational Health and Safety Training.

Do you plan to do further study?
» Absolutely! I love studying and know how important it is to help further my career. I plan to do a Degree in Human Resources Management (with Psychology and Human Behaviour as an added elective).

Do you travel much in your job?
» Not really. Sometimes there are meetings around the state which we can go to every 6-8 weeks but this is the only opportunity we have.

What are graduates from you course doing now?
» Some students are working in temporary general administration roles whilst they try to find a proper career with Human Resources.
» It is hard to find organisations that are willing to fully train graduates. So many of my friends have gone into organisations as a general payroll or help desk operator with the potential for further development within the Human Resources departments they are working in.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW

Primary Students
» My advice to primary students is to have a go at everything! You won't know what you really like unless you give it a go.
» Never be afraid to try anything once and have the time of your life.

Secondary Students
» Work hard but be sure to have some fun as well. There is nothing worse than looking back at your VCE results and wishing that you had tried a little bit harder.
» Focus on the things that you enjoy because you will be happier doing the work and it will be easier than doing something you do not like.
» Remember what your strengths and weaknesses are.

Tertiary Students
» Work hard to perfect your 'craft'. What ever you decide to do, try to be the best you can in that area.
» Study, work hard and make lots of contacts - NETWORK!!!!
» The contacts and the reputation you make for yourself in a tertiary institution can be invaluable when it comes to finding full time work.
» Teachers become fantastic referees.
» Get to know other people in that industry so that they can recommend you when suitable jobs become available!