Beginning Your Human Resource Career

What does a typical day on the job involve?

Calling and speaking with candidates about positions they might be interested in, scheduling interviews, working with the hiring managers and interview teams to make the process as streamlined as possible. In this position, you interface with many different teams and people. You are the pinnacle of the hiring process.

What are the joys and challenges in your work?

At times my daily tasks may be repetitive, so you have to challenge yourself to do better everyday and be as effective as you can be. It can be stressful at times, when interviewers or candidates miss their interview. But, with a cool and collected head on your shoulders, you should be fine.

What are your plans and goals for the future?

I’ll be going back to graduate school and I hope to end up managing economic development projects overseas. Recruiting is a great place to start your human resources career, since it’s really a universal role and the skills you learn can be applied elsewhere.

Any advice for students interested in pursuing an HR career?

At companies like Amazon.com, you have a lot of autonomy, more than working for an agency, I’ve heard. You get your work done, you work as a team and are rewarded for your hard work. I would say that networking is a huge advantage. Cultivate your relationships. It will pay back in dividends later.