Lara Roche

I believe that HR chose me. I studied psychology at university because I am fascinated by people, and in my final year I became interested in people at work. I saw the challenge in how to motivate, reward and excite widely different people in the workforce.

I joined the BT graduate scheme, which was a fantastic grounding in all aspects of HR. I undertook an HR masters and CIPD qualification alongside that, which meant I learnt the theory and practical side of HR at the same time. BT has been recognised for best practice HR in many key areas and I received advice and guidance from a great community of HR people.
 

Language does not simply reflect what is going on in organisational life: it also influences what people think and what they do

Linda Holbeche, director of the Holbeche Partnership and visiting professor of HRM/OD at Cass Business School