Vis Berry APHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently?
In my first year of university, I knew I wanted a career working with people. However, it wasn’t until later that I realised the wide range of opportunities in HR. I have been fortunate that many of my previous roles during university gave me exposure to HR in different ways. I had the chance to network and learn about various aspects of HR, including recruitment, business partnering, and employee relations. I have explored several areas within HR, such as reward and remuneration, generalist roles, and employee relations, which has helped me understand what I enjoy (and what I don’t)! I find fulfilment in being part of a field where I can contribute to the success of individuals' careers.
What do you love about working in HR?
I love interacting with a diverse range of individuals from different backgrounds and hearing about their lines of work. In my current role, I support stakeholders across all business units and multiple locations throughout Australia and New Zealand, which allows me to learn about the various types of work being done in teams I didn’t even know existed! It’s fulfilling to build strong relationships across the business and be recognised as a “go-to” person, helping others thrive and find success in their respective fields.
What is an achievement so far in your career that you are proud of?
As someone who is relatively new to the professional HR workforce, I love how I have had the ability to pivot and explore different areas of HR specialisation. I am grateful that my organisation has taken a chance on me and provided me with the opportunity to thrive. Early on, I identified my passion for employee relations, and I have been given the chance to develop in this area while also dedicating personal time to enhance my expertise. In the past 12 months, I’ve been involved in many interesting projects, but I am particularly proud of those that have a direct impact on people and are noticeable to them.
What are your thoughts on the Accredited Professional Member process?
It’s a great process that provides a clear goal to work towards while also holding you accountable for dedicating time to professional development—something that can be challenging to achieve when juggling life alongside a demanding role.
Do you plan to now work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
Absolutely, and the framework that HRNZ provides again makes it easy and holds you accountable for what you need to develop and display.
What are your next steps in terms of your career?
I have much to learn in the employee relations field, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in the coming years. I am particularly interested in exploring how the upcoming changes in employee legislation may impact the workforce and how we can incorporate more humanistic approaches into employee relations practices. In the longer term, I look forward to developing my expertise in more technical aspects of employee relations, such as workplace investigations and change management.