A career in HR offers so many opportunities for professionals who are committed to continuous learning and strategic development. When I wrote “Launch Your HR Career” this was just a starting point to inspire those new to the HR profession, but when we are more established and making great strides, we naturally look at progression opportunities.
So, if you are in just that situation, or have been considering a leap for a while, I created this blog, just for you! Here are some of my essential strategies to help you on your way.
1. Continuous Professional Development
Invest in your professional growth by:
- Pursuing relevant qualifications such as those offered by the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
- Attending industry conferences and workshops – The CIPD Student Conference 2025 is coming up soon, I’ll be speaking at the event if you’d like to ask me a direct question!
- Staying updated on employment legislation and HR technologies – this is so important, especially as the law is changing with such rapid pace. currently. Keep updated on case law and attend any webinars (many are free) to keep updated with the changes as they happen.
2. Build a Specialisation
When I first started my career, I was a generalist, it wasn’t until much later on that I established a love for employment relations and the law. Remember that it takes time to find your feet, so be patient, and follow the right route when you feel inspired.
If you feel ready to specialise, here are some areas that you could consider:
- Talent acquisition
- Employee relations
- Learning and development
- Compensation and benefits
- HR technology and digital transformation
3. Network Strategically
No one creates a career in isolation. We are shaped by those we look up to and are surrounded by, I wouldn’t be where I am now without those positive influences around me who I have been fortunate to meet through my work, conferences and networking events.
Nothing beats meeting people in person, and effective networking can create unexpected career opportunities. Here are some ways you could get the most out of networking and where to find the best events:
- Join professional HR associations
- Engage with LinkedIn HR communities and groups
- Identify local business networking groups through social media (not all are on LinkedIn!)
- Attend industry events and webinars
- Build relationships with HR professionals across different sectors
4. Develop Technological Proficiency
Modern HR requires digital literacy for effective data handling and to streamline processes. That way it is a much better experience for those who require information and advice. Here are some of the ways you can progress by knowing your technology:
- Learn HR management software – most HR systems are underutilised, by knowing your HR system, you can create new opportunities to make work better for everyone who uses it.
- Understand data analytics – HR is only as good as the accuracy of its data, run regular reports and see what the patterns are. For example, is there an opportunity to reduce absence?
- Familiarise yourself with AI and automation tools – it can really help with ideas and getting organised.
- Develop skills in remote workforce management – it goes without saying, managing remotely is a challenge, but we need to ensure there is a consistent approach for everyone.
5. Gain Diverse Experience
Whilst qualifications are great, experiences are what truly stay with us. There are many ways that experiences can shape careers and broaden your career prospects by:
- Seeking cross-functional projects – one of my first was with a marketing team, and transport operations, it beats being sat behind a desk, getting to know their pain points and how you can help makes a huge difference!
- Volunteering for challenging assignments – in team meetings I had no idea what I was doing, so when new projects came up, I thought what’s the harm in putting my hand up, what is the worst that could happen, they say no? These moments of bravery can really spark interest in areas you’ve not had a chance to work in yet, so be brave and go for it!
- Rotating through different HR roles – if you can, try and learn as much as you can from people around you. One of the first people I met when I started my HR career really inspired me to become a HR Business Partner, I achieved it after working may way up from my HR Administrator role, it took 3 years but I did it!
- Working across various industry sectors – I’ve worked in Retail, Transport, Food Manufacturing, Construction and Financial Services. All of those experiences were different and I learnt so much about the difference in how HR contributes, it also gave me a very commercial approach to my work which are all skills I use to this day.
6. Embrace Soft Skills
Never overlook how impactful your soft skills can be! Technical knowledge alone isn’t enough. Look at enhancing these soft skills to get ahead:
- Excellent communication skills
- Emotional intelligence – relate to your audience, demonstrate empathy, and learn to understand the perspectives of others even if it doesn’t align with yours.
- Strategic thinking – what impact can you bring? What ideas do you have? What is the HR data telling you?
- Change management capabilities – be flexible and adapt to the challenges you face.
7. Consider Postgraduate Education
Depending on what feels the right route for you, some people move on to achieve an advanced qualification to enhance their career and specialism. Here are some of the options that people have undertaken:
- Master’s degree in HR Management
- MBA with HR specialisation
- Executive education programmes
Conclusion
Progressing in HR requires a proactive approach, continuous learning, and strategic career planning. By focusing on professional development, technological skills, and building a robust professional network, you can create some incredible opportunities for career advancement. My career didn’t turn out as I expected or planned, but I am so pleased it didn’t!
Natalie Ellis HR 