Meet Roisin, a Customer & People Graduate at PTSB

Tell us about your current role and educational background.

I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Languages from TU Dublin. That same year, I joined PTSB’s Graduate Programme, applying for a role within the Customer and People department.

Since joining, I have worked with the People Services team and HR Business Partner team. My role gives me a great mix of day-to-day operational work, like managing shared mailboxes, handling weekly tasks, and responding to queries from across the business, as well as involvement in longer-term projects.

Working across departments and engaging with colleagues at all levels has really helped build my confidence and sharpen my communication skills. I’ve also had the chance to contribute to process improvements, investigate complex queries, and collaborate with third parties to implement effective solutions.

What have been some of your favourite projects since joining PTSB?

I’ve been lucky to work on several meaningful projects that aim to enhance the colleague experience. One project I’m particularly proud of took place during my time with the People Services team.

We noticed that we were receiving similar queries across multiple mailboxes, which highlighted a gap in the information provided to new joiners. I took the lead on reviewing and updating the existing new joiner guide, incorporating answers to the most common questions we were receiving. The updated guide is now part of the onboarding pack for all new colleagues, a small change that’s made a big impact, and something I’m really proud to have contributed to.

What does a typical day look like in your current rotation?

My day usually starts with reviewing my to-do list and prioritising tasks. Since each team member supports different areas of the business, staying organised is key. I then check both my personal and shared mailboxes for any new queries that need attention.

Most days include at least one team meeting and one cross-functional meeting with other departments seeking HR support. I take note of any actions from these meetings and add them to my task list.

I also dedicate time each day to longer-term projects, such as documenting current processes and identifying areas for improvement. I like to finish the day by clearing my inboxes and preparing my to-do list for the next morning, it helps me hit the ground running.

Have you taken part in any interesting activities while working at PTSB?

Absolutely! PTSB has a number of fantastic employee resource groups, including BALANCE, PRISM, ADAPT, LiveWell and DiCE. I joined a few of these when I started, and they’ve been a great way to get involved beyond my day-to-day role.

One highlight was helping to organise our International Women’s Day event. Our group hosted a panel discussion featuring inspirational women from across the Bank. I was part of the team responsible for securing speakers and coordinating communications for the event. It was a huge success and a really rewarding experience, definitely one of my proudest moments so far.

What’s the number one skill students should develop if they’re interested in a career in HR?

I’d recommend focusing on two key skills: communication and organisation.

In HR, we often act as internal consultants, so how we communicate, and how we’re understood, is crucial. Clear, empathetic communication helps build trust and ensures the right message is delivered.

Organisation is equally important. I considered myself quite organised before joining HR, but the level of coordination required, juggling deadlines, meetings, and requests from across the business, was eye-opening. Being able to manage your time and tasks effectively is essential in this role.