Case studies : Human resources supervisor: Sara

Sara has a BSc Business Management from the University of East Anglia. She currently works as a human resources supervisor at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

When I graduated from university I wasn’t sure what kind of area of business I wanted to go into, but I knew that I wanted to have control of my career from the very beginning. I therefore began looking for a graduate programme that covered all areas of business and had quick career progression. The Enterprise Rent-A-Car graduate programme ticked all these boxes. I interviewed for the position and a month later I started as a management trainee in a local branch. Eight months later I got a role in the HR department in the regional head office. I started as an HR administrator and was then promoted to HR coordinator. I worked in that position for a further 16 months and was then promoted to HR supervisor.

My degree helps me enormously in my current role. For example, during my degree I developed analytical skills and the ability to work on my own initiative. Also, having a good grounding in all areas of business allows me to have a better understanding of the businesses strategies and processes in all departments, not just the one in which I work.

Primarily my position is based around our employees - maintaining their personal information, benefits and pay. I also manage the review/appraisal process, from training managers on best practices to ensuring timely completion. I assist management with developing strategies for employee development, performance management and retention. I am also involved in recruiting and training.

When I began in the HR department, I was mainly controlling the day-to-day running of HR administration. My progression to HR coordinator came from my drive to succeed, looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge and take on more responsibility. My knowledge of our rental operations and increased HR knowledge/experience was the basis of my next promotion to HR supervisor. My aim is to continue to build on my knowledge and work towards becoming HR manager of one of Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s regions.

The most enjoyable part of my role is the variety - no two days are the same. One minute I’m working with a manager on an employee issue, the next working with an applicant about a position. It is the people that make Enterprise Rent-A-Car such an enjoyable place to work. Everyone is enthusiastic about working together and the team spirit is high.

The most challenging part of the job is the unpredictability. I can start out with a plan of what I am going to get done, but it can all change so quickly, and then I have to start anew! I also have to carefully manage the conflict between being a representative for the company and for the employee.

To be a success in HR, you need to enjoy working with people. You also need to be organised, be able to multi-task and be able to adapt quickly to a changing and fast-paced environment. You must be a strong verbal and written communicator. You need to learn the business well, not just the values and policies of the company, but also the operational side of the business. Lastly, you must ensure that you are always topping up your knowledge as managers will look to you for advice.