Rising Stars - Why Early-Career HR Talent Deserves the Spotlight
At HR Hire, we believe the future of our profession is already here in the form of bold, curious, and values-led early-career HR professionals who are shaping workplaces in real time.
That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Rising Star Award at the HR Leadership & Management Awards 2025. But this isn’t just about one award. It’s about recognising the extraordinary potential of those with less than five years’ experience who are already making a meaningful difference.
Why Early-Career HR Professionals Matter
Early-career HR professionals bring more than fresh energy , they bring insight, adaptability, and a deep understanding of what today’s workforce needs. According to recent research, organisations in Ireland increasingly view early-career talent as critical to building agile, resilient teams.
When supported well, these professionals:
Drive innovation by challenging legacy thinking and bringing new perspectives
Strengthen culture through empathy, inclusion, and values-led action
Accelerate change by embracing technology and new ways of working
Model growth mindsets, inspiring others to learn, adapt, and evolve
| They’re not just the future of HR,
they're already shaping it |
How to Nurture Rising Talent
Recognising potential is only the first step. To truly support early-career professionals, organisations must invest in their development. Here are a few proven strategies:
Create structured development plans with clear progression pathways
Offer mentoring and coaching to build confidence and capability
Foster a culture of continuous learning, with access to workshops, projects, and cross-functional exposure
Recognise and celebrate contributions early, reinforcing value and belonging
Tailor support to individual goals , not all growth looks the same
Retention remains a challenge across the Irish market, but when early-career professionals feel seen, supported, and stretched, they stay and they thrive.
Celebrating the Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award celebrates those who’ve already demonstrated:
Outstanding achievement in both everyday and extraordinary HR challenges
Creativity, relevance, and results in their work
A clear willingness to grow and expand their HR skillset
These are the leaders of tomorrow and they’re already making their mark today.
At HR Hire, we’re honoured to shine a light on their journey. Because when we invest in early-career talent, we’re not just building careers. We’re building the future of our profession.
HR Hire is honoured to celebrate the finalists across our sponsored categories:
HR Rising Star of the Year (Finalists):
Dublin Zoo – Michele Orr
PHX Ireland – Liz Mahon
SOS Group – Priya Ghosh
Tusla Child and Family Agency – Katie Power
HR Team of the Year (Finalists):
HR Team of the Year – Large (Finalists):
Applegreen – ROI HR Team
BaxterStorey Ireland – People Team
BWG Foods – Hire 2 Retire
Looking to build your HR career in Ireland? Read our complete guide to HR careers, pathways, qualifications and progression opportunities here.
