07
Keele Management School News
Where are
Olivia Phillips, MA HRM,
Resourcing Advisor – British Transport Police
to other candidates, I had a very
limited recruitment history; however,
my theoretical knowledge from
what I learnt from my MA
gave me the confidence to
demonstrate the relevant
competencies in the
interview.
Olivia graduated from
Keele in 2012 with a
BA Human Resource
Management and
Sociology. She then spent
a year working in the HR
department for Sainsbury’s
before returning to Keele
Management School to
study the MA Human
Resource Management.
“I believe my confidence is
the greatest attribute that has
developed from my time studying for
the MA in HRM at Keele Management
School. Completing my MA gave
me the initial confidence to apply
for a role in a relatively new field
in recruitment and in a quite
intimidating sector in the police
force. On paper, and compared
I have now been working
for the British Transport
police for the past eleven
months and my confidence
has continued to grow.
Within six months I was
promoted to Resourcing
Advisor. I now look after
all recruitment, selection
and on-boarding for new
officers who join the force.
I had to be interviewed
for this role against other
external candidates that
demonstrate strong recruitment
backgrounds; however my MA set
me apart from other candidates
and has certainly enhanced
my employability.
From a recruitment perspective,
I read a large amount of CVs on a
daily basis for both police officer
and police staff roles. An MA is
not always a requirement for
some roles; however, it does come
across in applications and interviews
that those with masters degrees
are well rounded individuals with
greater perspective.
It does come across
in applications and
interviews that those
with masters degrees
are well rounded
individuals.
An MA at Keele has not only
strengthened my confidence
and employability but also my
organisational skills. In my role it is
critical that I plan ahead, taking into
account the changing needs of the
organisation whilst meeting intake
start dates and KPIs. The structure of
the taught side of the course and my
dissertation aided my organisational
skills and gave me real insight into
how to strategically manage my time
and deliver outcomes.”