Case studies: Graduate recruitment officer: Shona McKenzie

Shona is a graduate recruitment officer at the Co-operative Group, based in Manchester. She graduated with a degree in history from the University of York in 2006.

When I graduated I didn't want to go straight into employment so I decided to take some time out to go travelling. When I came back I temped for a short while and worked for a recruitment agency, which gave me an insight into the recruitment industry.

I've been working for the Co-operative Group for two years now. I started out as an administrator in shared services, supporting the graduate recruitment team. And last year I progressed internally into the role I'm working in now - as a graduate recruitment officer.

I wouldn't say I have a typical working day as graduate recruitment is a really busy area. My days can consist of many different things, ranging from interviewing to preparing or running assessment centres. I also work with line managers on their undergraduate vacancies and give feedback to candidates following their interviews. I am involved in project work and developing marketing strategies as well as presenting or running workshops at universities.

I really enjoy this variety in my job. Some weeks I'll be in the office and other weeks I'll be travelling to different universities and meeting students and careers advisers. I least like my job when it's quiet, which is usually during the holiday periods, but these times can be the calm before the storm.

I think the skills I have gained from my degree, such as persuasive writing and being able to read and assimilate information quickly, have definitely helped me in my job.

The Co-operative is really supportive of their employees. Staff are given the opportunity to study for professional qualifications and they are supporting me while I study for the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualification. This is a two-year external HR qualification that is widely recognised and often asked for by employers. I really enjoy working in the HR and recruitment environment as, essentially, HR and recruitment are all about people.

The advice I would offer to someone looking to start a career in HR or recruitment is that graduate programmes are not the only route into the sector. Don't be put off by coming into a company at a lower level, as you can obtain invaluable, relevant experience and work your way up.