Ketki Acharya APHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently?
I have always wanted a career where I could study human behaviour, but coming across organisational psychology several years ago during my GCSEs was the real turning point. That’s when I realised I wanted to be in a role where I could help people thrive at work. I went on to complete a double degree in Psychology and Business from a university in New York State, and then started my career in recruitment—a very people-focused, fast-paced environment. I especially enjoyed the consulting side of recruitment: talking to clients, understanding their challenges, and offering solutions. That got me thinking—there must be a role where I can support clients beyond just hiring. Around the same time, I completed my master’s in industrial organisational psychology, which made the transition into an HR consulting role a natural next step.
What do you love about working in HR?
What I love most about working in HR is the people aspect—getting to work with so many different personalities teaches you a lot about communication, empathy, and adaptability. It is never boring! I also really enjoy the problem-solving side of things. Being part of projects where you’re unpacking an issue, running gap analyses, and figuring out practical ways to support the business is really rewarding. And when you actually get to see those changes implemented and making a difference—it’s a great feeling. HR gives me that balance of people interaction and strategic thinking, which is exactly what I was looking for.
What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?
Finishing my master’s was a big milestone—I was really proud of that, especially the thesis on well-being, which turned out to be such an exciting and rewarding journey.
I also feel incredibly proud of where I am now. Coming from a purely recruitment background, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever break into the broader HR space—but the relentless grind and hustle definitely paid off. I am genuinely grateful for every opportunity that’s come my way since, each one helping me transition into HR more seamlessly. It’s been a huge learning curve, and my current role has not only accelerated that growth but also supported me in gaining this accreditation—which I am really thankful for.
What are your thoughts on the Accredited Professional Member process?
I found the Accredited Professional Member process really seamless, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone with a year or two of experience in HR. For me, it was especially useful since I’d already completed the CIPD, which is quite similar in structure and focus, so a lot of the skills and knowledge transferred over easily. What’s great about the accreditation is that it formally recognises that you’ve started your HR career or have relevant training, have a strong grasp of the core capabilities and domains of knowledge needed to grow in the field, and that you're committed to ongoing professional development. It also shows you’re aligned with the HRNZ code of practice, which I think is really important for setting the standard for HR professionals in New Zealand.
Do you plan to now work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
Yes, eventually! I’ve got a few more years to go, but I definitely plan to keep growing and developing in the HR space. I’d love to contribute more to the HRNZ community and the wider HR field where I can. In our world of work things are constantly evolving, so it’s important to keep learning and staying ahead.
What are your next steps in terms of your career?
My next step is really to keep developing myself and building on my skill set. I’m currently working on certifications—like learning job evaluation techniques and getting accredited in psychometric assessments—all of which I know will be valuable in the long run and help me add more value in my HR career.