HR whY?

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When I was in college a few years back, there was not really any focused attempt to engage students in professional associations or professional clubs on or off campus.  Now that I look back at my college experience, I am surprised, as the educational experience was top notch in my opinion  I do remember my advisor suggesting that if I was interested in human resources that I join the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as a way to stay informed about the profession.  I followed his advice and have been a member since 2003.

In past volunteer roles I have worked with many students who have struggled or are struggling with choosing the best course of study.  I wish we all had it easy and knew exactly what we wanted to be when we grew up.  If that played true for me I would be an architect and design buildings like Frank Lloyd Wright.  Instead, through experiences in college and a comprehensive internship during my senior year I stumbled across human resource management.  As a volunteer leader for my local SHRM chapter I have worked with students at length – advising, networking and job hunting.  I wish I had that as a student.

This year at the 2010 HR Florida State Conference & Expo I will be participating in an event directed at students who are interested in learning more about human resources and potential career options.  Sponsored in part by SHRM, the event is called “HR Road Trip” and will feature fellow Gen Y’er  Brett Farmiloe, author and founder of Pursue the Passion.  Pursue the Passion is a movement and now a book that is aimed to get people to look at their careers in a new way, hoping to stir up some sort of passion for the choices one has made.

“Pursue the Passion started as a group of college students who had no idea what to do with their lives after graduation. The solution to their dilemma was to hit the road and explore different career options by interviewing people about their career paths. They found a sponsor in Jobing.com, bought an RV, and started exploring the possibilities. Sixteen thousand miles and hundreds of interviews later, their concept has turned into a flagship program of the Jobing Foundation.” – pursuethepassion.com

What an amazing experience and opportunity for these students to have such a monumental impact on people across the country.  I’m jealous.

For his day job, Brett works as a social media manager for Jobing where he gets to speak on how to use social media to attract and retain key talent within organizations.  Again, I’m jealous.  I would love to find a job in which I could put my passion for social media and human resources to work – a paying job anyway!

In addition to listening to Brett speak, students will have an opportunity to network and discuss the multifaceted profession that is human resources with experienced professionals from across the state of Florida.  Are you seeing the tie-in yet?  Pursue the Passion – road trip across the country – HR Road Trip.  Clever I know.  The event will run similar to a speed dating scenario, but without the dating. The room will be filled with multiple facilitators from various backgrounds in human resources.  Students will have opportunities to speak to each and will hopefully get a detailed look into our industry.

I am also very excited that we will have some big names in attendance to speak to the students.  Chuck Salvetti, Manager of Student Programs for the SHRM,  Ron Pilenzo, former President & CEO of SHRM and the mind behind the SHRM student chapter movement, and last but not least China Miner Gorman, former COO of SHRM.  With the addition of these influential individuals we hope to show the students how important their educational decisions are on their future careers.  Engagement is key – introduce them to the various career paths within human resources, inspire them and aide in their professional development.

For more information, click here.  If you are attending the conference and would like to volunteer to help facilitate discussions along the “HR Road Trip” please email studentevent@hrflorida.org.