Christina Hedley

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Standard Life Investments

HR Trainee |

School/College Leaver

Why do you enjoy your job?

I am currently based in the early careers team within the overall people function. At college I studied human resources management which I loved. My job not only allows me to apply my learning in practice but allows me to continue learning about HR. I enjoy working with such fantastic and supportive people from throughout the company. It is great when you learn something new and can use it to help support your wider team.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

After leaving college and my part time job, I found adapting to full time work in an office environment challenging. Learning so much as well as meeting what felt like 100 new people in one day when I first started was challenging but exciting and this is still the case as my network grows. I feel that my biggest challenge now is being able to prioritise my workload and time effectively. As a trainee, I have learnt the importance of being flexible with my time so that I am able to attend learning courses and sessions during my working day.

How did you get into your job?

Before joining Standard Life Investments*, I was at college full time. When I left school, I went to university to study nursing and as much as I enjoyed it, I knew that it was not the career path for me and instead I wanted to experience an office environment. So I went back to college for two years while working part time. It was one of the best but scariest decisions I have ever made. After college, I applied for the Investment20/20 Scheme, having heard great things about it and knowing it seemed like a great career opportunity. Investment20/20 gave me to the opportunity to work for a great company. Every day I continue to learn new things which will help me with my future career.

What are your future aspirations?

I would love to continue to work for either Standard Life or a similar company after my 12 months on the trainee scheme. I enjoy working at Standard Life Investments and I would like the opportunity to continue to learn about HR and to possibly pursue a career in this. I would like to gain more qualifications too.

How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?

My Investment20/20 experience so far has been a challenge but an exciting one. If you are willing to learn and develop your skills and knowledge then it is a great opportunity. It may seem daunting coming to work for a large company or starting the application process but it is definitely worth it. Never in a million years did I think when I applied that I would get this far but I did and it is all down to commitment and working hard for something I wanted. I am very grateful for this opportunity.