BSc in Human Resource Management & Employment Relations, 2011
Human Resources Policy Advisor, Shell
Please describe your career path to date
After graduation my first occupation was with Save the Children London working within the HR team. I supported their internationally mobile staff who responded to humanitarian emergencies.
After a year, I joined Shell on its HR Graduate Programme (September 2012). My first role was a business partnering HR role as a HR Analyst for 300 IT and Finance staff within Shell Trading in London. The role involved resourcing entry-level roles for Finance; grievance, disciplinary and capability casework; and other operational activity such as on boarding, data integrity and analysis. I am now in my second and final role on the Programme.
Since March 2014, I have been working in the UK HR Policy team and I am currently studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching at Birkbeck College.
Has your career path developed as you planned?
When I was at LSE, I went through several changes of heart about my career and I eventually settled with HR. I had been put off by how people talk negatively about HR, but over time realised how critical it was for the business to have great HR people.
Tell us about your current job
My role involves providing specialist HR advice to other HR colleagues, focusing on 'family friendly' employment policy, pensions, and policy related to leavers from the Company. The role is split into two main parts: key projects and case management.
Why did you choose this job?
In the Shell Graduate Programme, we are placed in jobs that match our needs as well as the businesses. For my second role, I wanted to deepen my subject matter knowledge in the 'hard' HR parts, like pay, pensions, benefits, employee relations and employment policy, legislation - as well as the processes that underpin everything. It's the bread and butter of HR and I wanted to get this strong foundation early on in my career.
What do you like most about your job? Is there anything that you dislike?
I really enjoy this role as I get delve deeply into cases and policies whilst keeping the breadth across all the UK businesses and its 6500 employees. The projects I've been involved in have really pushed me to work with people at all levels, from lawyers externally, to the Pensions department, to HR and Tax colleagues.
I really enjoy working with colleagues from around the world and feel like I am part of a large global community. Long gone are days where HR is expected to sit in a corner and do admin. If policy changes or approaches to managing cases are not in line with the business's direction, then I'm not doing a good job. I enjoy this aspect and like that our HR goals are directly linked to the main business's goals.
What career plans do you have for the future?
I plan on staying in Shell for the majority of my career, though I am open to leave for a short period of time and pursue other interests. I would love to go back to the humanitarian sector and work in the field during a humanitarian response. Otherwise, there are so many things I can do within Shell; including working abroad.
I really enjoy coaching and think this is the future of the HR business partner role, in terms of adding value by helping change behaviours within the organisation. Thus, I might want to go deeper into a Talent or Learning role, and then follow an HR Generalist path.
Thinking back, why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose LSE?
I’ve always wanted to go to LSE and I was extremely fortunate to secure a scholarship to attend from Stelios Haji-Ioannou (The founder of EasyGroup). I loved the degree I did because it was broad and deep - much like my career now in HR. I never liked being fixed on an idea, so it allowed me to explore different subjects and modules within and outside the department. I was involved with many societies and fundraising events throughout my time at LSE and at one event raised over £20,000!
It's hard to match the international feel of LSE, there is so much diversity that you can always feel at home among other friends who themselves are new to London. Lastly, there were lots of part time job opportunities available for students which helped support my studies.
How has your time at LSE helped you so far in your career?
Immensely! Most of all, it's given me perspective. LSE has so many different kinds of people that you really learn about yourself and the world. This is really important, especially as diversity in organisations is such a key priority these days LSE has a great brand that all employers recognise. They know students are smart and LSE allows you to join an amazing network as your friends will likely be in all sorts of careers, and doing very well in them.
What advice would you give to prospective or current LSE students?
Banking and consulting is great, but you should think about your values and what you'd like to do in a few years' time. If you're not sure - that's okay. Maybe consider taking time to travel or do some temping. It took me a while to figure out I wanted the development that Shell offered. If your heart isn't in something, try to be honest with yourself and follow something you truly buy into.
Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?
It was sensational I really pushed myself and learned a lot about myself and other people. Sometimes it was difficult adapting to LSE and London, but it toughens you up and you make friends for life.