HR Assistant Review

I am very much enjoying my time here at RCI, I am involved in a variety of areas within HR, including recruitment, well-being and training. As HR is a relatively small department within RCI I work closely with my colleagues which makes the learning process a lot easier. I am provided with a lot of responsibility; managing my own projects and liaising with employees from a number of different departments. I believe my contribution is greatly appreciated by my team, really making me feel like any other employee.

The people at RCI are what makes the company a great place to work. They promote a sharing culture, which creates an atmosphere whereby knowledgeable and experienced employees will offer advice and will always help you out if in need. Conversely they really value my ideas and feedback. Additionally you build a strong relationship with the other interns as you are going through a similar process, supporting each other throughout the year.

For a week at the beginning of the placement I had a handover with the previous HR intern. This was really beneficial and helped me out a lot to familiarize myself with the daily tasks and ongoing projects, it also provided me with the opportunity to ask any queries I had. Additionally I am offered weekly 1:1's which provides you with the opportunity to express any areas you feel you are struggling at and would like more help with.

I am always kept busy with lots of work around to complete, whether its small day to day tasks or ongoing projects. My role is varied involving different tasks to complete every day such as organizing staff events, inductions, recruitment, training, placement fairs, and assessment days. If you are finding yourself with nothing to do you would be expected to ask your colleagues if they need any support with their workload.

From the start of the induction I have been given daily tasks and projects to work on independently, taking ownership of my work really made me feel like a valued member of the team. After a few months at RCI I am able to voice my own opinions if I feel something needs to be improved on, my opinion is taken into account just like any other employee.

I believe that the skills, knowledge and generally my work ethic that I have developed already whilst on my placement will help immensely when it comes to my final year at university and for my career in the future. For example, I will be attending a HR assistant training course which will not only help me during my year at RCI but also in my future career. I have also learnt broader life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and interpersonal skills.

RCI's work culture is what makes this company great, everyone is very supportive and always willing to help. It is an open plan office with no offices, so you completely integrate with other departments, this is what most stood out to me when I attended the assessment center at RCI compared to other companies. Additionally there are always staff events, team building events and well-being workshops going on, for example I recently attended a "keep positive workshop" and "chair yoga".

The placement scheme is structured and well organized, with plenty of inductions available to familiarize oneself with the company. I also had a handover period with previous intern which was beneficial, although as the handover was only for around a week I would have preferred for it be for a 2 week period, although it may increase for next years intake of placement students.

My manager understands the importance of training and how this could benefit my skill set, there always inductions to participate in throughout your year at RCI which will help familiarize yourself with each department within the company. Additionally the other HR intern and I will be attending a HR Assistant training course to develop our understanding of our role.

RCI is great place to work for surrounded by a positive atmosphere, therefore I would love to work here in the future. However at the moment RCI unfortunately does not offer graduate schemes, but I believe I have gained invaluable skills and experience that will increase my employment prospects for the future.

With around 13 interns there is a relatively good social scene, having a group of similar aged people around me provided a supportive environment, advising one another on any issues that may arise. There are also a fair amount of pubs and restaurants around to socialize! Next years in take of placement students will increase to around 20 therefore the social scene will be even better.

I live one stop away from Watford Junction, therefore the cost of rent isn't that cheap as it is easily accessible to London. Although I found a room in spare room.com which made it cheaper that renting from an estate agents. However eating and drinking around Watford is fairly cheap as it isn't London prices!

Around Watford there are several nice bars and pubs and a couple of clubs, for example Oceana. However if you would prefer a more lively scene with more of a variety it is very easy to get into London from Watford with it just being less than 20 minutes to Euston from Watford Junction!

There is a run club every Wednesday after work where a group will go running around to Local Park and participate in charity runs. We are also starting to organize yoga before/after work as part of a well-being initiative. These may be advertised by email/ on the RCI community page.