View other career transitioning stories
Find out how people at different stages of their career and working lives have transitioned into an HR or L&D career
Andy talks to us about his move from working as an NHS manager to becoming Head of HR at the Imperial War Museum
Name: Andy Wink
CIPD membership: Associate
Current job title: Head of HR
Current employer: Imperial War Museum
Location: London
Employment status: Employed
Previous role: Project Manager/Business Manager for the British Army
Why did you decide to move into your current role/field?
I was qualified and interested in Human Resource Management and using my experience gained in NHS general practice, found an opportunity to concentrate on and lead a small HR team in the museum sector. The role is as an HR generalist (including payroll) looking after a museum team of over 500 people spread over 3 locations.
What transferable skills did you identify would be useful in your new role?
Organised and able to communicate at all levels. Good work ethic and able to lead a team to deliver results. I understand intent and can work autonomously with little supervision to achieve what is required. Good analytic skills and able to devise pragmatic solutions that will be easy to apply. My CIPD qualification proved to be the benchmark that the employer was looking for and this helped with my selection.
How has the CIPD and continual personal and professional development (CPD) supported you during and after your career transition?
As already stated, my CIPD qualification is the bench mark for roles in the HR field and keeping myself current in my chosen profession has certainly helped; I am currently working towards a Chartered upgrade and now I am networking with other CIPD members. I am broadening my HR generalist knowledge and can see how different organisations utilise the HR profession.
If you had your time again, would you do anything differently? If yes, what would you do differently?
I would expand my network wider and be more proactive in doing so; utilise LinkedIn and attend some of the ex-military events such as ‘liquid list’ etc. Access the CIPD website more often – it is an excellent source of information!
What are your top 5 tips for someone working in the Forces and wants to move into an HR or L&D role?
Find out how people at different stages of their career and working lives have transitioned into an HR or L&D career
Explore the many rewards of working in the people profession
Explore the twelve career areas within the people profession, and the typical activities you may find yourself doing
Information and guidance to help you excel in your role, transition into the profession, and manage a career break
Six tried-and-tested routes into the people profession