Emerging Professionals
EMERGING HR PROFESSIONALS
Purpose/Mission
WHRMA is committed to supporting new professionals entering the field of human resources and growing the next generation of HR professionals and leaders. WHRMA encourages HR students, recent graduates, or individuals newly transitioning to HR to join the chapter. As a member of our local chapter association, you will benefit from:
- Learning more about all aspects and functions of human resources
- Developing your HR knowledge and skills
- Staying informed on key HR topics and advancements
- Building your professional network
- Participating in local networking events
- Connecting with local HR leaders
Beginning your career as an HR professional can be intimidating, though you do not have to feel alone on your human resources journey! Through our community, you will be surrounded by knowledgeable people and helpful resources to support you as you begin and progress through your career.
Helpful Resources
Resources for SHRM Members
SHRM has a variety of dedicated resources for students and emerging professionals, including tips and strategies for networking, starting your career, and exploring different career paths.
For assistance designing and building your resume, SHRM provides resume templates to help get started. Looking for a new role? Be sure to check out SHRM’s job board.
SHRM Foundation offers programs dedicated to SHRM members who are emerging HR professionals:
The HR Career Mentoring program allows you to build your network by being matched with a mentor for a 3-month, structured mentoring experience. The program is designed to assist emerging professionals in clarifying career goals, developing career plans, and strengthening high demand skills in HR.
The HR Talent Accelerator program provides an opportunity to explore different HR career pathways and develop high-demand skills through a 4-week virtual career development experience with project challenges in a small group setting.
Podcasts
Listening to podcasts is a great way to hear from thought leaders in HR and gain deeper insights into each of the core HR functions. Learn about a “day in the life” of a real-life HR professional, what different career journeys look like, current initiatives and challenges, and much more. The following podcasts from SHRM provide valuable content, particularly for emerging professionals:
Webinars
Attending webinars is another valuable way to deepen your knowledge and stay informed on key topics and initiatives within HR. You can attend them live or register and watch on-demand at your convenience. There are several sources that offer FREE ongoing educational webinars:
Navigating Your HR Career Journey
As you begin your career in human resources, there are a few things to consider to support and progress your career journey:
- Using LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a social media platform for finding jobs and professional opportunities, networking, learning, and much more. It is important to have a developed LinkedIn profile that highlights your professional career experience and knowledge, skills, and abilities. If you do not have one already, create your LinkedIn profile to find job opportunities and build network connections. It is a tool to connect with past and current peers and colleagues, as well as network with others. You may learn about different professional opportunities, find helpful articles, learn new skills that are in demand, and much more.
- Preparing for Interviews: When you are searching for a new role, preparing for interviews is an essential step. This includes researching companies, having questions to ask during the interview, and being ready to highlight your skills, competencies, and experiences.
- Continuing Education: Obtaining HR certification is a great way to enhance your knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to the HR profession. Some obtain their certification at the beginning of their career and others wait until they have some work experience – it is what works best for you! Some companies may offer to sponsor the certification, so it is worth discussing with your manager once you determine your readiness to pursue the certification. Sponsorship might include paying the certification exam fee and for study materials. In addition, SHRM offers grants and scholarships that help students and professionals in advancing their education, obtaining SHRM certification, or attending a conference. Consider applying for one of the awards. Application windows vary throughout the year.
If you have any questions or inquiries, please contact our Emerging Professionals Chair, Tina Ramos.
