Caitlin tells us about her Year in Industry with Centrica
Caitlin Farmer
So, how did you come to this role?
I came across the role whilst looking for something to do in the year between my masters and graduating, having just graduated with a History degree from Durham. The role appealed to me because it involved recruitment and HR, which I was both interested in but also involved elements of marketing, especially with social media. I really wanted to get a grounding in applicable HR to match what I hope to learn in my masters and I feel that the role has definitely given me some insight into that, as well as how recruitment is currently evolving in a more practical way.
And what exactly does the job involve?
I have been involved in many aspects of the graduate team’s work, from organising and attending certain careers fairs to gaining insight into graduate selection, assessment centres and the processes by which Centrica employs graduates. I am beginning to be more involved with graduate development and will be using the opportunities Centrica provides to learn about the wider business and how HR can function to benefit it.
What do you like best about your placement?
I would recommend this role as it’s a fabulous opportunity to really learn how recruitment and development works in a practical way. It’s given me a great foundation and helped me to understand how HR within a larger business works but still set in a way that allowed for fostering my own development as well. I have been given insight since day one and people are always happy to help – great for someone who is starting their first experience in HR!
What are you plans after your placement finishes?
I’m hoping to go on to do a masters in HR and then hopefully join the Centrica graduate scheme! I want to learn the skills required to flourish in the energy sector and HR, and to be able to tackle larger projects, learning how HR works within a large multinational corporation.