Hello everyone,

I am seeking advice on entering HR without work experience. I hold a BCom and a CIPD-accredited MSc in HRM from Aston University (Jan 2026), with Excel and Python skills. I have been applying for HR Admin and internship roles in the UK with no interviews. As an international student, my options are limited. I am open to any opportunity, paid or unpaid, to gain experience. How did you secure your first HR role in a similar situation?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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With those skills: benefits analyst, HR analytics, HRIS analyst or HRIS implementation specialist, compensation analyst or a systems integration role seems like the most logical step.

The other piece here, is what is your goal in getting into HR? Do you want to be a generalist and deal with people or are you wanting to be more on the technical/analyst side of HR?

Your skills show you have a strong analysis and numbers background. I’d frame your skills that way, and apply for those roles within HR, or companies that sell HR software.

Once you’re in an HR role, there will be opportunities over time to learn different areas, and even take jobs in other HR areas as you grow your skills.

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I have seen people break into HR with similar backgrounds. I would focus on admin or coordinator roles and highlight your practical skills alongside your degree.

I would also focus on recruitment first and than enter other sectors.

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