My name is Loredana, and I'm from east London. I graduated with a degree in Psychology from the University of Sussex, where I developed a real passion for understanding people and being a supportive, empathetic presence for those around me. Throughout university, I worked part-time in customer experience and brand representative roles for companies like Samsung and Nespresso, which helped me build strong communication and people skills.
I discovered the STEP programme through a job-seeking workshop and decided to apply. I was placed with The HudsonBec Group, a collective of creative companies, where I worked as a HR Assistant. Before joining STEP, I knew I wanted a career where I could make a positive impact on others, and HR felt like the perfect fit – an opportunity to help businesses thrive by supporting the people at the heart of them. My goal was (and still is) to help create happier, healthier workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
I decided to take part in STEP because I wanted to gain hands-on experience in HR, especially as I wasn’t CIPD qualified at the time. I saw it as a strong starting point to explore the profession and build practical knowledge. The mentoring element really appealed to me too – having support from someone already established in the field felt like an invaluable way to deepen my understanding and build confidence in my career.
Initially, I wasn’t sure if STEP was the right fit for me, since I thought it was mainly geared toward people wanting to work in creative roles. But I soon realised how many different industries rely on strong people functions, and how valuable HR is across sectors, including the creative industry. That perspective shift helped me see how broad and flexible a career in HR could be.
I applied to the role at The HudsonBec Group because I was interested in seeing how HR worked in a creative environment. It felt like a unique opportunity to learn from a group of innovative companies with a strong sense of culture. Before STEP, I struggled to break into the industry. Without prior experience or a network, it was difficult to know where to start. STEP gave me the access, structure, and guidance I was missing, and helped me take real, confident steps forward.
One of the things I appreciated most during the STEP programme was the cohort culture. There was a genuine sense of support, understanding and encouragement among us. We built strong relationships and regularly shared advice, helped each other through challenges, and celebrated our wins together. That peer-to-peer connection made a huge difference in boosting my confidence. It felt like we were growing as professionals, but also as people.
A particularly memorable moment for me was when I had the chance to be involved in the hiring process for a new STEP placement at my company. Seeing the assessment day from the employer’s perspective was eye-opening, and it showed me how quickly the dynamics shift when you’re on the other side of the table. I even had applicants come to me for feedback afterwards, and it was a full-circle moment to be able to share my experience and encourage them.
One of the challenges I faced during my placement was navigating uncertainty around whether my contract would be extended beyond the STEP programme. It was a bit daunting not knowing what would happen next, but with the support of Jordan and Leila, I felt empowered to open those conversations with my manager, communicate my value, and negotiate with confidence.
I was incredibly lucky to be head-hunted by one of The HudsonBec Group’s sister companies to continue working as their HR Coordinator. This opportunity really affirmed how much I’d grown during STEP and gave me a real sense of pride in the journey I’d taken. What’s more, they’ve supported me financially to complete my CIPD Level 5 qualification, which has been a huge step forward in my professional development. STEP played a major role in getting me to this point. It helped build my confidence, gave me the tools to grow, and laid the foundation for a meaningful career in HR.
Throughout the programme, I developed a wide range of soft skills; especially communication, confidence, and workplace diplomacy. I also gained practical HR knowledge and insight into how people teams operate within creative companies. STEP didn’t just help me develop professionally, it gave me the belief that I belong in this field and can thrive in it.
The most valuable part of the STEP programme for me was the mindset shift it helped create. STEP showed me that with the right attitude, consistency and willingness to learn, anything is possible. I learned that being open, approachable, and proactive – especially when it comes to networking – can open unexpected doors. In my case, that mindset led to new job opportunities I hadn’t even imagined at the start of the programme.
If I could do one thing differently, it would be to ask for clearer written confirmation earlier on about whether my contract would be extended beyond the placement. That uncertainty caused some unnecessary stress, and I’ve since learned the importance of getting key details clarified up front. But when it comes to my overall approach during STEP, I have no regrets. I showed up with a willingness to learn and give it my all, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
If someone asked me why they should apply for STEP, I’d say: anyone who’s willing to learn, explore a new profession, or kickstart their career should absolutely go for it. The whole STEP team is incredibly supportive and genuinely invested in helping you become the best version of yourself. Even a year after finishing the programme, they’re still checking in and supporting our growth, which speaks volumes about their commitment.
The workshops and mentorship provided throughout STEP have been invaluable. They’ve helped me gain clarity, build confidence, and see my career path shift from a hopeful idea to a real, fulfilling profession. For me, the STEP experience can be summed up in three words: empowering, supportive, and fun.
My advice to anyone considering applying? Dive in with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Take full advantage of the mentorship and workshops and embrace the opportunities that come your way – you never know where they might lead!