Renee Downey APHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently?
I was lucky enough to start my professional career within Job Services in Australia. Working with people that were receiving benefits from the Government and looking for work, I was able to provide assistance to them through any barriers to finding employment and support them to find and maintain employment. Moving from Job Services into Agency Recruitment, I enjoyed the challenge of working with external companies and building strong relationships with them as well as candidates. Working in both these industries sparked my interest in HR. I enjoy helping people, and always see the positive in anyone. I also believe in fairness and feel HR will give me the tools to be able to support and guide people through their development and work on any performance issues. My current role as a Recruitment Specialist, with Alliance Group, I secured when I relocated from Australia. Alliance Group is such a large company, with so many different moving parts, where I knew I would be ale to gain some valuable experience and also bring my skills and experience.
What do you love about working in HR?
No 2 days are the same. You are constantly on the go, dealing with a variety of things. Specially working within a large organisation, with manufacturing plants and corporate offices. I love seeing the results – Advertising and Recruiting for roles, especially those more challenging roles, and being able to find that right person, and see them succeed within the role, is something I really love.
What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?
Moving into a Management role within Job Services and being able to lift the office from a 3-star rating to a 5 star rating. Being promoted to Operations Manager with Programmed within 18 months was a great achievement. Relocating from Australia to New Zealand and being able to secure a role, in Recruitment and HR.
What are your thoughts on the Accredited Professional Member process?
A thorough and fair process that I was thrilled to be a part of. The process was easy to follow, with easy instructions and the self-assessment provided a great overview of where I was up to. The available courses both online and in person, are amazing, and have been very informative and enjoyable.
Do you plan to now work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
Absolutely – this is a goal I am aiming to achieve in the next 12 months
What are your next steps in terms of your career?
I am just about to complete my first year, of a Bachelor of Applied Management with Honors in Human Resource Management degree. A big focus for me, is to continue with this course, and remain active within a HR based role, so I can continue to develop and growth.