Using the Aspiring HRD Programme as a career catalyst
HR professional Cat Randall-Smith was looking to advance her career and overcome challenges in her industry. As an Associate member of CIPD, Cat came across the Aspiring HRD programme which piqued her interest due to its focus on supporting individuals who face barriers or wish to progress to the next level in HR. With a young family and part-time work commitments, Cat saw the programme as an opportunity to gain exposure beyond her current role and connect with an experienced mentor.
Matching with a mentor
Between applying for the Aspiring HRD programme and getting assigned a mentor, Cat was promoted to Vice President of HR. She was matched with a female mentor from IT company SoftCat which was appealing due to the sector still being heavily male dominated. The mentoring relationship took place over a 12 month period and included not only one-on-one sessions with her mentor but also expert-led sessions with Professor David Clutterbuck and peer networking opportunities with other mentees. The structure of the programme provided Cat with support beyond her immediate work environment.
Shifting perceptions
Cat’s mentoring experience primarily took place virtually, with frequent meetings every few weeks. The ability to reach out to her mentor for advice on emerging challenges between scheduled sessions proved invaluable. One of the key areas Cat wanted to address through the mentoring part of the programme was her professional identity within her organisation. Having been with her company for a decade and working her way up, Cat wanted to establish herself in her new role as a strategic thinker.
Through the guidance and support of her mentor, Cat worked on building her strategic influence and positioning herself as a peer among her colleagues. The mentoring not only provided practical strategies for these challenges but also bolstered Cat’s confidence in her new leadership role.
Cat’s journey on the Aspiring HRD programme coincided with a significant career milestone. During her time on the programme she left her organisation to become the first HR Director for Unity Health Group, a role that marked a significant step forward in her career. The skills, insights, and support gained from the programme were instrumental in helping Cat navigate this transition and take the step up into her new role.
Breaking through barriers
Reflecting on her experience, Cat encourages any people professionals who are facing barriers in the workplace or feeling uncertain about their career progression to consider the Aspiring HRD programme. She highlights the unique value of the programme in providing access to opportunities and mentoring that might otherwise be financially out of reach. For Cat, the programme was not only a career catalyst but also a supportive community that helped her break through professional barriers.
Looking to the future, Cat aspires to give back by becoming a mentor herself on one of the CIPD Trust’s mentoring programmes. She believes in CIPD’s commitment to fostering environments where people professionals can thrive and is eager to contribute to that mission by supporting others who, like her, face challenges in their professional journeys.
