Katie Willocks

How did your degree prepare you for your current role?

My degree gave me a strong understanding of the challenges involved in people management. I also gave me a firm comprehension of the dynamics and complexities of work in a range of sectors, which now helps me with the multi-sector research I am currently engaged in.

What do you enjoy about your current role?

I am passionate about research, particularly research into leadership and management learning. I enjoy learning about the challenges managers experience in their day-to-day work and thinking about the ways in which scholarly research can help them to think differently find innovative solutions. I love learning about all aspects of business and management, applying theory to practice and writing about my findings. I also enjoy working in a small and supportive research team.

What are your greatest achievements so far? 

Obtaining my PhD, getting my first few research papers published and obtaining some research funding.

What advice would you give to students who aspire to a career in HRM?

HRM is a varied and diverse area with lots of exciting possibilities and opportunities. Explore and gain experience in a range of different areas of HRM to find what you are most interested in and what sparks a fire in you! Don’t settle for a career path/role that you don’t love.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on continuing my research in leadership learning and working on even more exciting and fulfilling research projects. I also wish to continue working with students, teaching, and develop as an academic, a professional and a writer.