Consider these tips when you consider a career transition to human resources. You should be able to speak with successful professionals in the field. You can ask for references from former colleagues, employers, mentors or advisors. Referees should give their contact information and names, along with details about the position or job title. Your commitment to learning and positive reasons for your changes are important when writing references.
Germaine Townsend
Germaine Townsend (Certified Professional in Human Resources) is an active SHRM member. She started her career in sales and marketing. After 10 years, she made the transition to human resources, where she has successfully applied her background. Her passion for diversity and inclusion led her to be on the NOLA SHRM Board and launch the first Diversity and Inclusion Book Club. Germaine, a native Louisiana of Houma, has been a resident of New Orleans since 2006 and is a Louisiana native.
Laura Arment
After working in state government, Laura Arment began her legal career in corporate in-house counsel roles. She advised companies in areas such as employment law and environment law. She then started her own employment lawyer firm. Laura moved into the HR field because she has a passion about people and organisations. Arment found it difficult to break into corporate HR because many companies don't view HR professionals as business partners. Most companies are looking for entry-level employees with little or no experience in human resource management.
Jim McLeod
Jim McLeod left Washington University in St. Louis to become a faculty member. He was a German teacher in the Arts and Sciences section, and then he went on to take up various administrative positions. He served as the assistant to William H. Danforth, Chancellor from 1977 to 1987. He was director of the African-American Studies Program from 1987 to 1992. In 1993, he was made vice chancellor to students. He managed undergraduate admissions, student affairs, and graduation.
McLeod, who was once a minister but is now an independent third-party recruiter, made the natural transition to HR. His previous experience includes work at a children’s book publisher and family bookstore. He was mentored as a seminarian by another colleague before he made the transition to HR. After a few more years, he broke with his mentor and started his own recruiting company.
Paulo Fulton
Paulo Fulton started his career in the mental health field as a supervisor for patients. He then moved to Human Resources after completing his MBA. He has held roles as a Director for Talent Acquisition and with talent-development teams. He is a father to two children. Fulton is an acknowledged leader in the field of human resources. Fulton's diverse backgrounds have given him an unique perspective on the profession's challenges.