Human Resources Manager, Australia/New Zealand, Furmanite – Engineering Solutions
What is your current position?
Human Resources Manager, Australia/New Zealand, Furmanite – Engineering Solutions
What qualifications do you hold?
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
Why did you get into HR?
I have a strong interest in people and culture. I am creative and find business both creative and stimulating. I enjoy the interrelationship of people, culture and business.
How did you get into HR?
After many years working in legal support, involved in legal projects, law clerking and being exposed to HR through line management, I decided to focus on HR as a career. I saw an occupational psychologist to confirm and clarify my objectives and undertook HR studies. I transitioned into HR whilst working in legal services.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Contributing to business initiatives in a dynamic environment at a senior level and being part of a diverse and focused team. My current role is quite focused on IR/ER and I am enjoying that immensely. There is synergy between my legal background and the current HR landscape and I expect this will continue.
What has been your biggest career high so far?
Transitioning from many years working in the legal services industry to my current role in the heavy industrial and construction industry at a time of uncertainty and change in the IR environment. The scale of projects and opportunities to develop has been diverse and very rewarding.
What do you think it takes to succeed in HR?
It is essential that you both like and understand business. You should enjoy developing solutions and be adaptable. A strong sense of self is very important and remaining authentic. Being comfortable with and enjoying interaction with many different people is also necessary.
How do you manage relationships with senior executives?
I listen and learn as much as I can about them, their business, goals and challenges. I seek feedback and participation so that there is a joint focus on initiatives. Developing credibility and trust are vital. A good sense of humour is also helpful.
Who is your biggest professional inspiration?
The talented women in business I have met and worked with.
What advice would you give to graduates considering a career in HR?
Identify the people you know or have access to, who are involved in business management and seek feedback regarding the future of HR and the skills and knowledge required. Consider the feedback and decide if you are interested in what the future holds for HR. Correlate the information gathered with any previous experience, personal and professional, studies, training, and so on. Develop a personal program to identify and seek out opportunities to support the attainment or extension of the skills and knowledge identified.
Describe yourself in three words.
Motivated, resourceful and committed.
Helen Danson - career background
July 2005 - present: Human Resources Manager, Australia/New Zealand, Furmanite Australia Pty Ltd.
2003-2005: Human Resources Officer, Russell Kennedy (mid-tier CBD corporate law firm)
2001-2003: Team Leader, Senior Floater, Arnold Bloch Leibler (boutique CBD corporate law firm)
1997-2001: Law Clerk/Senior Legal Assistant, WorkCover Division, Abbott Stillman & Wilson (Mid-tier CBD law firm)
1994-1997: Parent carer
1993-1994: Senior Legal Assistant, Peter Speakman & Co (boutique suburban law firm)
1991-1993: Team Leader/Law Clerk, WorkCare - Common Law Litigation Division, Holding Redlich (mid-tier CBD labour law firm)
