During some recent soul searching (which tends to hit me every ten years) I remembered that I chose HR.  I mean really chose a 3 month research project with interviews, analysis and detailed assessment.


Flash back to me in 1996 out of University with a fairly useless but fabulously entertaining degree in American Studies - embarking on my 4th post study job and pondering the office experience learnt so far from property agents, widget makers, accountants, recruiters and event managers.  Finding myself at a crossroads whilst working as a temporary medical secretary (with medical dictionary firmly in hand)


First I considered what I wanted:


  • To earn enough money to buy a house (since most of my lawyer friends were already there)
  • A job which heavily used my brain
  • A job which could work anywhere in any location
  • A job I would not grow tired of
  • A job with variety and challenge
  • A job with some professional standing (those lawyers again)


Second I considered myself:


  • Good with figures
  • Comfortable with public speaking
  • Good written communication
  • Enjoyed being suited and booted
  • Liked the city lights


Thirdly what was I prepared to do:


  • Earn money whilst learning
  • On the job training
  • Happy to start at the bottom


Then I analysed the market (Leeds at the time was buoyant) and I spoke to recruiters and attend interviews and one day I went to Eversheds and they needed an HR Assistant and there would be training - and so it began………….