Articles

From studying at Greenwich to a career in human resources

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Alumni Caitlin Henderson talks about her experience at Greenwich Business School and her career in human resources

Why did you choose Greenwich?

Caitlin Henderson

There were multiple influences on my decision to study at Greenwich; the location and degree itself were ideal, but it was the Business School and its network that really appealed to me. The support, resources and opportunities provided shape students, preparing them for working after University.

Which course did you study at Greenwich and why?

I studied BA Hons Human Resource Management at the University of Greenwich following a long-term motivation to explore the way organisations have traditionally managed their employees and how this can be developed in the modern day to reflect the changes in our society. The course at Greenwich was particularly attractive due to its accreditation with the CIPD along with modules that were on trend at the time of applying.

What were the three best things about your programme?

The top three benefits of studying HRM at Greenwich would be; the CIPD accreditation, lectures from professionals in the field of HR with strong networks, and the variety of modules on offer, including some that we were able to select ourselves so that we could tailor our studies to our interests.

What challenges did you face while studying and how did you overcome them?

Whilst studying for three years at Greenwich I found it useful to experience student life both living in halls on campus, and then as a commuter student whilst living outside London. Although challenging at times, this contrast gave me flexibility during my studies, subconsciously preparing me for life after University. The key to overcoming challenges as a commuter student was efficient time management. Along with making use of the library and other resources, I kept in mind that it was beneficial to engage in campus life, even when commuting became tiring so I could gain the most out of my time studying. The statistic that 50% of students commute to Greenwich was also reassuring and meant I wasn’t isolated in my decision to move back home.

What have you been doing since graduating?

Since graduating I spent a year working within Talent Acquisition for the Commercial, Studios and Marketing team at ASOS.com. Joining ASOS was a fundamental moment, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time learning in a fast-paced environment. I departed ASOS to join Oliver Wyman, a management consulting firm. My role as a coordinator for the Entry Level Recruitment team, entails supporting the selection and onboarding of graduates. The transition between companies has been challenging, but I am extremely grateful for my placement year which I completed at the University of Greenwich as I have been able to reflect on this experience to succeed in my current role.

What did you learn from your time at Greenwich that has helped you at work?

Whilst studying at Greenwich I learnt to reflect on previous experiences to put myself in a better position when navigating similar situations in the future. This has prepared me especially for appraisals and yearly reviews in the workplace. Additionally, I realised the importance of being persistent to ensure you achieve the results you want. This applies in the workplace as it can be challenging keeping up in a fast-paced environment and it is essential to keep trying and remember what is keeping you motivated.

How did your time at Greenwich help shape who you are today?

My time at Greenwich, especially my placement year gave me a good grounding and the confidence to apply roles outside of my comfort zone. It was during my time at Greenwich where I learnt what aspects of HR and the working environment I favour, and what motives me. It was a valuable insight into how I can utilise my resources, peers, colleagues, and environment to improve the quality of my own work.

What advice would you give to people thinking about applying to Greenwich?

I would recommend to anyone thinking of applying to Greenwich to visit the campus they would be based at, visiting in person can really help finalise your decision, and may indicate whether you would be comfortable studying and living in the area. Other advice would include exploring your degree modules and speaking to lecturers at open days. Thinking about your long-term goals, with insight from direct sources at the University is useful to determine what’s best for you before applying.

Human resources

Faculty of Business