Suzanne W.
About me
| Suzanne W. | |
| Psychology | |
| psychology | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Derwent | |
| 1998 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Head of HR (national newspaper) | |
| United Kingdom | |
| HR, recruitment and training / Journalism and publishing | |
| Large business (250+ employees) |
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A day in the life of a Head of HR (national newspaper) in the United Kingdom
My career goals when I graduated
Wasn't sure. I knew that I wanted something interesting, involving people, but didn't really know. That's okay, btw.
My career history
Started in retail, then went in to HR. Firstly in food distribution, which was heavily unionised, and then on to media. Also did banking. Urgh! And worked for myself doing assertiveness training.
What has helped my career to progress
Being honest, being a good listener and influencer. Genuinely liking people and being invested in the companies I worked for.
Courses taken since graduation
CIPD (awful!) Also did mentoring and coaching courses. Trauma course and various other HR STUFF - negotiating, legal, leadership and my favourite - negotiating with hijackers!
How my studies have helped my career
They didn't really, apart from making me realise that I didn't want to be a clinical psychologist.
What surprised me about my career so far
How much I've loved newspapers and journalists.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
Still retired - I'm having a break from the rat race for a while to develop property and have a rest. See how long it lasts.
My advice to students considering work
Be bold - get your CV done and send it off. Be willing to do some stuff unpaid and prove how brilliant you are.
My advice about working in my industry
Newspapers- be a prolific writer. Send stuff off to locals, Nationals, and do your own blogging/writing. Be prepared to travel.
HR- be "real". Don't be processy, or too stuffy. HR is about getting on with people, so make sure you come across well and as someone that they could work with.
Other advice
Be yourself. If you don't genuinely want the job, don't go for it. The will see though you in a heartbeat. If you do want the job then be yourself and be passionate. Do your homework. Find out everything you can about the company - they love their company, and they want you to as well. Be interested, and complementary. Know what they stand for.
Contacting me
Happy to mentor (I'm actually missing it already!) either online, or preferably face to face. I'm passionate about newspapers and media generally and also HR.
What I do
Head of HR for a daily national newspaper (Recently moved to York for a rest)
Skills I use and how I developed them
HR, mentoring, coaching, understanding of journalists.
What I like most
The people
What I like least
Bureaucracy
What surprised me most
HR really isn't rocket science, and newspapers are the best places in the world to work!