The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Administrative Assistant / Office Coordinator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Organisation, scheduling, communication, basic data entry, stakeholder coordination.
You're ready to move on when
- You're the 'go-to' person for getting things organised.
- You've successfully managed multiple calendars and event logistics.
- You're comfortable drafting professional communications.
- You can handle sensitive information discreetly.
- 2
HR Assistant / HR Administrator
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Employee data handling, confidentiality, understanding HR processes, basic employee relations, communication.
You're ready to move on when
- You've worked with HRIS systems and handled employee data.
- You understand the importance of confidentiality.
- You've supported internal communications to employees.
- You have a basic grasp of employee lifecycle events.
- 3
Recent Graduate (relevant degree)
0-1 year (post-graduation)Skills to master
- Academic research, critical thinking, project work, presentation skills, eagerness to apply theory to practice.
You're ready to move on when
- You've completed projects involving research and analysis.
- You can articulate how your studies relate to organisational behaviour or change.
- You're keen to learn and contribute in a corporate environment.
- You have strong foundational communication and organisational skills.