Cara Johnson APHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently?
Throughout my career, I've consistently gravitated towards roles that involve supporting and developing people, and my previous work in management gave me the opportunity to make a difference within my team environment. I realised that I could have a greater impact on more people in an HR role, and when my family moved from Canada to NZ, it seemed like a natural time to shift career direction.
What do you love about working in HR?
What I love most about working in HR is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's professional lives. I get to support employees throughout their entire journey with the organisation - from recruitment and onboarding to development and, when necessary, offboarding. I particularly enjoy the challenge of advising and coaching leaders, helping them to create teams that are engaged, productive, and aligned with organisational goals. The dynamic nature of HR, where each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, keeps me motivated and excited about my work.
What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?
One achievement I'm particularly proud of is being able to make a significant contribution to our career descriptors refresh, which has had a positive impact on employee development and engagement. Additionally, my role as a Wellbeing Ambassador has allowed me to contribute to creating a healthier, more supportive work environment for all employees.
What are your thoughts on the Accredited Professional Member process?
The Accredited Professional Member process has been an invaluable experience for me. It's provided a structured framework for reflecting on my HR knowledge and skills and has pushed me to continually improve and stay updated with best practices in the field. The process has reinforced my commitment to maintaining high professional standards and has given me increased confidence in my ability to provide strategic HR support.
Do you plan to now work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
Yes, becoming a Chartered Member is definitely on my radar. I am a strong believer in continuous learning and professional development. Achieving Chartered Member status would be a natural next step in my career progression and would further enhance my ability to contribute strategically to organisational success.
What are your next steps in terms of your career?
Moving forward, I aim to continue expanding my expertise in HR (I’ll be starting a Masters in HR in the new year), particularly in areas such as employment relations and HR policy development. I'm also keen to further develop my leadership skills and take on more strategic roles within the HR function. Given my interest in employee wellbeing, I'd like to explore opportunities to integrate wellbeing initiatives more deeply into organisational culture and practices. Ultimately, my goal is to continue growing as an HR professional and to make increasingly significant contributions to organisational success through effective people management strategies.