From graduate to HR: What it takes

My name is Petrus Karompona. I hold a bachelor's of human resource management and a bachelor's of employment and labour relations honours degree, both from NUST.

My journey started with internships at the Office of the Labour Commissioner and the //Kharas Regional Council, which gave me real exposure to HR practices beyond the classroom. I am currently a human capital graduate trainee at CRAN, where I have rotated through both the organisational development and talent management functions.

It covers quite a broad range. On any given day I could be supporting the recruitment process, maintaining employee records, or drafting employment contracts and HC documentation. I also assist with health and safety compliance and have been involved in ER activities. It keeps you on your toes because no two days look exactly the same.

I have always been drawn to the people's side of organisations. HR sits at the intersection of strategy and human behaviour, and that balance fascinated me. Understanding how organisations grow through their people, how policies protect employees, and how development shapes careers, genuinely interest me.

My HR degree gave me a broad foundation across core functions like recruitment, training and development, performance management, and organisational behaviour, which directly translated into the work I do today. The labour relations degree then added depth in employment law, industrial relations, and policy.

HR is essentially the bridge between the organisation's goals and its people. It is not just about hiring and firing. It is about creating an environment where people can perform, grow, and feel valued.

More often than not, employers are looking for someone who is curious to learn beyond their qualification. There are many people with degrees, but the skills you build and the rooms you put yourself in are what set you apart. Adaptability is at the top. The workplace changes fast, and the ability to adjust and keep learning is non-negotiable. Communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are equally important.

The biggest mistake is sending the same resume to every vacancy. You need to tailor your CV to each role and align your skills with what the employer is asking for. Your CV is your first impression, so it must be intentional and relevant.

A qualification might get you the interview, but your soft skills determine whether you get the job. Employers can train technical skills, but attitude and emotional intelligence are harder to teach.

One of the real challenges is managing the volume and variety of responsibilities as a graduate trainee. It teaches you professional judgement and time management very quickly.

Start by exploring, shadow professionals, attend industry events, and ask questions. Relationships matter as much as results, and one key lesson is that you have to be intentional. Opportunities do not just happen, you position yourself for them.