How Bella and Jasmine Grew their Careers through the Human Resources Development Program
Explore how hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to different areas of Human Resources helped launch two successful careers at Citizens.
Learning through Real-World Experience
When you start your career, growth rarely happens by staying in one place.
For Bella D. and Jasmine M., our HR Development Program offered the opportunity to explore different areas of Human Resources, work alongside experienced leaders, and develop new skills through meaningful projects and stretch assignments. Both began their careers in the program and quickly discovered that some of the biggest learning moments came from stepping outside their comfort zones.
The rotational structure allowed them to build a broad understanding of HR while gaining exposure to different teams, business functions, and leadership styles.
Building Confidence through New Challenges
One lesson both participants learned early: growth often starts where comfort ends.
For Bella, that meant taking on responsibilities she hadn't imagined at the beginning of her career, from supporting strategic initiatives to presenting in front of senior leaders.
"If I'm uncomfortable, that means I'm putting myself in a position to grow and learn."
For Jasmine, the challenge came in learning to embrace progress over perfection.
"Learning to hand something in and being encouraged to keep refining it along the way has been a major mindset shift."
Their experiences helped them develop resilience, confidence, and adaptability, skills that continue to serve them as they build their careers.
More than Rotations
The program isn't just about moving between teams. It's about developing a broader perspective on the business, building relationships across the organization, and discovering new areas of interest.
Through their experiences, Bella and Jasmine gained:
- Exposure to multiple HR disciplines
- Opportunities to partner with leaders and cross-functional teams
- Hands-on project experience
- Mentorship and coaching
- A strong professional network
- Skills that prepared them for long-term career growth
Advice for Early Career Jobseekers
When asked what advice they'd give someone considering an early career development program, both shared a similar message:
"Stay curious. Say yes to new opportunities. Be willing to learn as you go."
The experiences that feel unfamiliar or challenging today may become the moments that help shape your career tomorrow.
Where Growth Can Take You
Bella and Jasmine's stories show that early career development isn't about having every step planned from day one. It's about being open to new experiences, continuously learning, and building confidence through action.
And their journeys didn't end with the program. After completing the HR Development Program, both Bella and Jasmine transitioned into HR Business Partner Associate roles, where they continue to apply the skills and experiences gained through the program.
Interested in starting your own career in Human Resources? Learn more about our HR Development Program and discover how rotational experiences, mentorship, and hands-on learning can help you build a strong foundation for long-term growth.
