10 Effective Ways to Further Your Professional Development and Build Your Career.
Like most millennials, I wasn’t immediately sure of the career I wanted to pursue. After experimenting in a number of industries, I found myself working as an assistant to the Human Resources Director of a Westchester-based art-house cinema when something just clicked; I had found my calling.
At the time, I was excited about all of the possibilities that lie ahead in the field of Human Resource Management, but knew that I had to take the initiative to develop my skills as a Human Resources professional. I put my nose to the grindstone and after some trial & error, I found these 10 effective ways to further my professional development and build the career I’ve always wanted.
A year later, and after a lot of hard work, I am now the Compensation and Benefits Manager at an organization 10x the size of where I started as an assistant, I'm a board member of WHRMA, a local chapter of SHRM, a member of the Bennie HR Advisory, and I'm flying out to Las Vegas for the Annual SHRM Conference.
TEN TIPS FOR BUILDING THE CAREER YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED
Read Relevant Books & Blogs
There are countless written resources for an aspiring HR professional who wants to self-study. Blogs are timely, providing the most recent industry updates that allow you to keep abreast of any changes being made or trends that develop within the community.Books are a great way to learn from HR leaders who helped mold the profession and offer a strong foundation for those new to the field.
[Here is a lifesaver for anyone looking to become SHRM certified: SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Study Guide.]
Join SHRM
The Society for Human Resource Management (better known as SHRM) is the global organization dedicated to HR advancement. SHRM provides free resources for HR professionals, as well as a paid membership that offers valuable, additional benefits.Join Your Local SHRM Chapter
SHRM has local chapters around the country that offer informational lectures, webinars, networking opportunities, and more, as well as the convenience of being closer to home. Westchester Human Resource Management Association (or WHRMA) is my local chapter.You can find your local SHRM chapter here.
Network on LinkedIn
LinkedIn has become a valuable tool for networking with HR professionals around the world!Aside from direct connections, Linkedin offers niche groups, as well as a program called LinkedIn Learning that aids in professional development. To get the most out of Linkedin, be sure to remain active by participating in conversations and sharing your knowledge. Think of your LinkedIn profile as a professional, digital first impression.
Apply for the HR Advisory Group & Join the Slack Channels
The HR Advisory Group is an incredible resource provided by Bennie open to HR professionals looking for community, networking opportunities, career development, and the chance to tackle important topics that arise in our field. Bennie’s HR Advisory Group has allowed me to discuss topics ranging from work-from-home policy to COVID protocol to organization-wide restructuring with peers from around the country.Outline Your Goals
Clichés are clichés for a reason.Writing out your goals with intention makes them more tangible. Remember to reference the S.M.A.R.T. method in order to create a plan with achievable steps that lead to your ultimate objective.
Create a Vision Board
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Create a visual reminder of your aspirations with a vision board. This, alongside writing out your goals and how to achieve them, will keep you motivated!Prioritize Self-Care
A healthy work-life balance is essential to maintaining the best version of yourself. Building a career requires so much of your time and energy, so prioritizing self-care may seem counterproductive, but you can’t pour from an empty cup! Make sure you take time to recharge so you don’t burn out.Maintain a DFW Attitude
If you want to be a leader in HR, you must be DFW: down for whatever. Human Resource Management can be a difficult industry to navigate as the world is ever-changing, so flexibility and open-mindedness are keys to surviving & thriving.Keep Compassion Close
As Human Resource professionals, we deal with people from all walks of life with personalities that run the gamut; we are problem solvers and shoulders to lean on, so we need to be sure to avoid compassion fatigue. Be self-aware; if you need a break because you have become overwhelmed and recognize that you aren’t able to compassionately assist your co-workers, take it! Step away. Regroup. Remember that humanity is at the heart of Human Resource Management and should be what guides all of our professional interactions.
The most important tip I can offer is to remember that with hard work and dedication, you have the power to build the career you’ve always wanted in Human Resource Management!