With the launch of our latest shore learning guide this week, we’re spotlighting another example of how one of our colleagues has been focusing on their own learning and development. Here’s Kasia’s story…
Introducing Kasia Waters – Consultant, HR
Working at Carnival UK had been my dream for years. This dream came true in 2018 when I was offered a role in the People Support Team.
This opportunity enabled me to take part in shaping the People Support service provision and ways of working – it was a great stepping stone into working in the People team. The role taught me about Carnival UK’s HR policies and procedures for ship and shore, and helped me to connect with subject matter experts (SMEs) across the People team, Fleet People Operations and Carnival Support Services India, who support us to recruit exceptional people for our ships. With support from my manager, I was able to get involved in a number of projects which helped me to gain additional skills such as becoming an SME in process review and mapping.
An opportunity for growth
Since joining Carnival UK my career goal has been to learn about the HR Business Partner role and after 3 years working in People Support, an opportunity came up to join the HR Business Partnering Team as an HR Consultant. The skills and knowledge I gained whilst working in People Support were invaluable in securing and settling into my current position. Working in the HRBP team has been a chance for me to not only learn about Business Partnering, but also to work with senior leaders and get a better understanding of the business. It’s also helped me to build professional relationships within the departments I support.
My line manager supports my development by getting me involved in a variety of interesting shore and fleet projects and activities, giving me additional responsibilities and always being open to discuss my ideas and hear my opinions. Both of my managers in the HRBP Team give me the support to help my development and future career progression.
Creating a development plan
My professional development is very important to me, so I created a detailed development plan which I regularly review with my line manager. Part of this plan was finding a mentor, who has helped me to improve my confidence at work, look at my career development from a different perspective and to reflect on what I’m doing now and what I want to achieve in the future.
Although my workload and personal life are busy, I try to find time even if it’s just 10 minutes per week to use the development tools and activities available at work, from completing the My Best Me assessment, to identifying my focus areas, using resources on The Cove and in the Good Practice portal. Attending Power Hours, which I can’t rate highly enough, have also empowered my development.
Although all of these resources have been a great way to gain new knowledge, for me learning on the job and from my colleagues as well as challenging myself at work has been the most beneficial. Taking additional responsibilities and roles like joining the People Employee Experience Group, working on projects, and most importantly learning from my line manager have been the best ways of learning for me.
My top tips for learning and development are:
- Talk to your line manager about finding opportunities to develop.
- Check the resources available on The Cove and the Good Practice portal which include videos, articles, quick tips, interviews, and other resources, on a variety of business and career development subjects.
- Try a Power Hour session. It’s an hour well spent during which you can focus on learning a specific subject and share knowledge with colleagues.
- My book recommendation: “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
- Believe and be kind to yourself.