HR origin stories go viral on social media

Hundreds of HR professionals are sharing #mypathtoHR on Twitter

Inspired by the examples of other professions – including medicine, the civil service, and law – more than 200 tweets have been tagged #mypathtoHR in less than a week.

The originator of the social media trend is Lesley Campbell-Stephens MCIPD, senior cohort leader, Civil Service Fast Stream, at the Cabinet Office, who on 24 January tweeted:

“I think @CIPD should copy and get people doing #mypathtoHR now too!! Lots of ‘I fell into it’ stories, I fear!!”

Here’s a roundup of some of our favourite #mypathtoHR stories.

#mypathtoHR started career in consulting @Accenture. 1st client role had HR elements. Got sick. Phased return in internal HR/L&D role. Returned to consulting (IT project mgt) but missed HR & sick of suitcase-life, started HR MSc part-time, left consulting.. settled into HR!

— Lesley Campbell (@lellielesley) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR I was a History teacher, and good at it but hated teenagers. Moved into corporate L&D doing training for a big OD change initiative, met HR team who said I should do @CIPD quals so I did. Found I was good at HR too, was given responsibility for it – never looked back!

— Gary Cookson (@Gary_Cookson) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR I was at university and had a lightbulb moment during an occupational psychology lecture. I researched CIPD qualifications and did a post-grad diploma. Have just started my *coughs* 25th year working in HR!

— Alison Smith (@Alison_RootsHR) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR I worked on business change and tech projects in the Court Service from the early ’90s to 2003. Developed a love of learning and hit L&D then OD in 2006. 2012 went to freelancer and have found HR my spiritual and professional home. #lovemywork #HR

— Perry Timms (@PerryTimms) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR failed interview for accountancy apprentice! offered #HR apprenticeship in same org. Spent 8yrs in Tata, admin, tech, generalist. Furthered my career in UK & America in mining, healthcare & manufacturing. Currently HR/OD/L&D/Culture in Manufacturing org.

— MARK HENDY (@markSWHRF) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR Finished uni (Criminology degree), went travelling, came home, needed a job, started temping as #HR Admin, decided to get my @CIPD qualifications. 11 years on still enjoying the variety it brings #fellintoit #enjoymyjob

— Claire Featherstone (@NW_clairef) January 25, 2018

#MYPATHTOHR started in call centre on phones, team leader to team coach. Then into L&D as trainer, specialist and leadership dev. Big break into HRBP covering a mat leave and progressed through supporting many functions. Now in a non HR to broaden skills further – I will be back!

— Steven Thompson (@ste_thompson) January 25, 2018

Offered training role as respite from shift work whilst pregnant with 1st child. Loved it. Studied CIPD exams whilst working. Went on to do payroll, casework, HRBP, policy & ER roles. Now IR Manager for @Laing_ORourke #mypathtoHR #lovewhatido

— Teresa Wilkins (@corktess) January 25, 2018

#mypathtohr Worked in retail mgt & jewellery & whilst doing a stint as a store trouble shooter in my mid 20s, discovered I liked developing people & culture more than sales. Completed PT masters in HRM & got a stand alone HR job in yr2. That was 2004. Love what I do ❤

— Tamasin Sutton (@TamasinS) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR owned own restaurant, husband not v tactful so I got #HR & #H&S. Thrown in the deep end. Managed not to sink. Enjoyed it. Now working for a Social Impact Co on #HR transformation projects&loving it! Wish I’d found this straight after Uni!

— Emily Edge (@emsplendid) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR Had my taste of HR working in the Civil Service at the Army Staff College supporting future stars of the armed forces! Then decided to join a GEC Marconi subsidiary and the rest as they say was history! A lifetime ago but still love being in HR! #HR

— Martine Robins (@Martine_HR) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR Initially trained as a Scientist but decided dealing with whole people might be more fulfilling that dealing with parts of people. Moved into Training and Development, then Management Development and #HR followed by internal Consultancy. Achieved FCIPD along the way. pic.twitter.com/YrVeS1qbAG

— Julie McGovern (@juliemcGovernHR) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR Goat farmer to call centre agent, then to crepe maker to cafe supervisor, then administrator to accounts supervisor – then exposed to ET cases to fall in love with HR. Then @icslearn @CIPD quals, HR advisor to now Senior HR Officer and career blogger. Contentment

— Charles Goff-Deakins (@CharlesGoffDeak) January 25, 2018

#mypathtoHR wanted to be a lawyer. Studying law didn’t excite me but being in the profession did. Took an HR officer role & quickly realised I wasn’t very good BUT wasn’t bad at recruitment. Lots of recruitment roles (in same org), now Head of Recruitment and still loving it!

— Samantha Lee (@sammylee75) January 26, 2018

#mypathtoHR Achieved 100% in HRM exam Business Studies A-level, teacher suggested I pursue it further. Graduated with honours in Business Studies and HRM. Postgraduate dip. in HRM with CIPD. Secured a HRM role under 30 and a HRD role under 35. HR was always the plan for me ??

— Natalie O’Hara ? (@HaraNatalie) January 25, 2018