Sol Durandeu APHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently?
My journey into HR and my current position has been a natural evolution of my passion for working with people. I thrive in environments where I can interact with others, understand their needs, and support their growth. Being a people person has always been a core part of who I am, and I find immense satisfaction in fostering positive relationships and creating a supportive workplace culture.
The HR field allows me to leverage my interpersonal skills in a meaningful way. Whether its helping employees navigate their career paths or resolving conflicts, I am deeply engaged in activities that center around human connections and organizational well-being. This role aligns perfectly with my strengths and interests, and I truly enjoy the diverse challenges and opportunities it presents.
I couldn’t imagine myself working in another field because the work I do in HR is both fulfilling and aligned with my core values. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that supports and nurtures talent, drives positive change, and contributes to the overall success of the organization.
What do you love about working in HR?
Interacting with our workers, assisting them with their needs, and striving to maintain a positive company culture at Tuapeka are central to my role. I take great pride in engaging with employees to understand their concerns, provide support, and offer guidance. By actively listening and addressing their needs, I aim to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Maintaining and enhancing Tuapeka’s company culture is equally important. I work diligently to uphold our core values and create a workplace atmosphere that is both inclusive and supportive. This involves promoting open communication, recognizing, and celebrating achievements, and encouraging collaboration. My goal is to ensure that our culture remains vibrant and positive, reflecting the commitment and dedication of our team members.
What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?
One achievement I’m particularly proud of is overcoming the initial challenges I faced when starting my HR career in New Zealand. At the beginning, I received numerous rejection letters due to my lack of local experience. Despite these setbacks, I remained determined and persistent, continuing to apply and work hard every day. I am very proud of how far I have come since then, as my current position is a direct result of the effort and perseverance, I put into breaking into the field.
What are your thoughts on the Accredited Professional Member process?
I believe the Accredited Professional Member process is an excellent initiative. It provides a structured pathway for professional growth and development, ensuring that individuals in the field maintain high standards of competence and ethical practice.
The process is beneficial in several ways. It helps us stay current with industry best practices, continually enhance our skills, and stay informed about the latest trends and advancements. This not only boosts our individual capabilities but also contributes to the overall effectiveness of our HR practices within the organization.
Do you plan to now work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
I would indeed love to work towards becoming a Chartered Member in the future. Achieving this designation represents a significant milestone and would be a testament to my commitment to the HR profession and my dedication to advancing my expertise.
However, at this moment, I prefer to focus on my current role and responsibilities as an Accredited Professional Member (APHRNZ). My primary goal right now is to immerse myself in continuous learning and development. By honing my skills and gaining deeper insights into various aspects of HR, I aim to provide even greater value to my organization and contribute meaningfully to our team’s success.
What are your next steps in terms of your career?
In terms of my career progression, my next goal is to become an HR Advisor. This role aligns perfectly with my aspirations and offers a significant opportunity to advance my expertise and impact within the HR field.
To achieve this, I plan to focus on enhancing my skills and acquiring new knowledge essential for an HR Advisor role, such as employee relations and strategic HR management. I am committed to pursuing relevant training programs to strengthen my qualifications and stay current with industry trends.
Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through complex HR projects and taking on more responsibilities will be crucial for my development. Engaging with HR professionals through networking and seeking mentorship will provide valuable insights and guidance as I work towards this career goal.
By focusing on these areas, I am dedicated to advancing towards an HR Advisor position, and I am enthusiastic about the growth and opportunities that lie ahead.