Alice Jackson

From Graduate to Executive Resourcer

I graduated from Bournemouth University with a degree in Business with Human Resource Management and was looking for the right opportunity to start my HR career.

What drew me to The Compleat Food Group was the opportunity to join a growing company where I could gain hands-on experience with additional study and mentoring as part of a structured programme. It was a perfect fit and start to my HR career!

Building My HR Experience

During my Graduate Scheme, I was involved in all aspects of the employee lifecycle as a true HR generalist, part of the core on-site team at Poole. My main responsibilities included being a HR representative for around 200 employees, with opportunity for upskilling and accountability. I was heavily involved in absence management, employee relations, on-site engagement initiatives, inductions and our new starter processes.

Alongside this, I studied and gained my CIPD Level 5 diploma in People Management through the apprenticeship scheme.

Progressing My Career

Since finishing my graduate scheme, I have moved to the central resourcing team and specialised as an Executive Resourcer, supporting with current and future recruitment needs across the whole group. The graduate program has equipped me with the core skills, knowledge, and behaviours of HR principles to thrive as I start my career. I’ve benefited from additional mentoring in a supportive environment to grow as a people professional.

My highlight has been travelling to our manufacturing sites across the group and gaining an in-depth company understanding along the way!

My Advice to Future Graduates

If you’re looking for the perfect way to kickstart your career, a graduate scheme is the way forward! They are competitive so make sure your CV is up to scratch and ensure you’re making the most of opportunities whilst still at university – internships, placements, volunteering, part-time work, or social clubs. This will give you the edge and help you to stand out!

You should consider a career in food because it is fast-paced, no two days are the same and it’s a constantly changing environment.

It is a very exciting industry!