Associate HR Business Partner Review

Supporting the Investments business on all HR processes including performance management, resignations, organisational design, compensation reviews and talent processes. In my role as Associate Business Partner, I'm learning and shadowing my team in order to build my own knowledge and confidence in role. For the team, I manage monthly MI and have been able to hold the pen on a number of projects including the creation of our Investments HR People Plan. Since 2019, I've been working towards my degree in business management alongside working full time through a graduate apprenticeship - this has enabled me to use real life working examples throughout my studies and learn on the job.

Since joining my new team last year, I've learnt so much about the structure of the Investments business and now have a much clearer understanding of how the function work. I've been able to develop my data skills as there is a lot of focus on MI and reporting. Through my graduate apprenticeship, I've developed academic writing skills and learnt how to academically research and reference my work. I've also learnt how to prioritise and improve my time management skills in order to balance work, university and social life.

I have really enjoyed my programme - I didn't think I'd be able to work towards a degree while working full time but the graduate apprenticeship has enabled me to have the best of both worlds. I've learnt loads and I'm really proud of the hard work and effort that's gone into the last 4 years.

It's very well structured - the online Moodle platform gives us access to weekly tutorials and tasks and each module we have the opportunity to meet on campus as a cohort and deep dive into the assessment criteria. abrdn also offer study leave days which I've been able to make the most of throughout the programme.

The company have been a great support, I have a great mentor who has been a huge help throughout my programme - checking in, offering ideas and helping me find balance and focus when things get tough. The study days are great and mean that I can take some focussed time out of work to really get my head down. Everyone in my team is so supportive, constantly checking in and asking how I'm getting on.

Robert Gordon University have been great - they had to adapt quite dramatically throughout the COVID period as we worked virtually. Although some of the content is not the most engaging, the lecturers and staff from the university have always made sure we have everything we need to succeed. For my 4th and final year, I've been allocated with a Capstone Supervisor so I'm looking forward to working alongside them and making the most of the support on offer.

Working through my degree while working full time has meant that I've been able to put my real time learnings and research into practice in the workplace and write about real life examples during assignments. Studying whilst working has also given me the opportunity to build my network as I've reached out to colleagues across the business to learn more about their role and build up my understanding of the overall company structure.

Yes - abrdn has a variety of employee networks that anyone can get involved in. Each network sends out regular email updates and organises social events throughout the year. abrdn also offers 3 volunteer days per year to all employees - these are often a great way to spend time with colleagues outside of work while making a difference. In my team, we enjoy team breakfasts, lunches and after work drinks which are always lovely.

Yes

I've had loads of exciting opportunities to develop and grow since joining abrdn - I've been able to learn and grow professionally while making friends for life and working towards my graduate apprenticeship. The people I work with are amazing and I feel very lucky to have such supportive peers.

The world of investment management and the financial services can be confusing and overwhelming when first applying for roles - if joining a development programme, remain open minded and willing to try new things. Before joining, I didn't know my previous and current role even existed so it paid off to be flexible and willing to try new things.