HR Officer

Jay Gerrans, UCL Innovation & Enterprise.

I started at UCL three years ago working as an Administrative Assistant in the Comprehensive Clinical Trials Unit. In this role I was responsible for providing administrative support to the Directors as well as undertaking all HR-related activities for the department. Working in this role re-affirmed that HR was the right path for me and really helped to shape the future direction of my career. I joined Innovation & Enterprise as a HR Coordinator and Office Administrator in 2018. Since then I have gained a wealth of knowledge and have recently been promoted to HR Officer. I really enjoy this role and find it immensely rewarding to work in such a dynamic and vibrant department. Each day I face a variety of tasks and challenges and am constantly learning new things.
 
I am also currently studying for my CIPD qualification which will enable me to expand and build upon my current skillset. In the future, I would like to progress into a management role, taking on more responsibility and looking after a team of my own.
 

The advice I would give to others working in HR is to increase your network as much as you can - by speaking to others and working together, you can solve problems more quickly and effectively. Networking will also prove invaluable if you’re looking to move roles and progress. I would advise individuals to widen their skill set as much as possible by taking every opportunity that comes their way. This could be by attending formal training events and studying for a professional qualification, or by simply shadowing more senior colleagues and continuing with informal learning. More than anything, anyone wishing to progress their career in HR should never give up - it will all be worth the up-hill climb!