Having a career in human resources can mean being responsible for hiring, firing, and training employees. That alone is a stressful job, and that stress is only underscored when someone doesn’t feel they have sufficient experience. The Human Resource Management Association (HRMA) is just one chapter of a worldwide effort to help students and professionals in the human resources industry. At UNCG, the organization is open to students of all majors because, according to president Alexus McFarlane ’18, nearly everyone can apply aspects of human resources to their jobs.
HRMA provides students with an environment where they can learn about the fundamentals of human resources outside of the classroom. They do this through campus-based events and by working with their professional counterpart, HRMA of Greensboro (HRMAG), a chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. Together, HRMA and HRMAG create a mutually beneficial relationship; students are able to network with working professionals in their field, and the professional members can see new talent for potential hires.
HRMA has at least one or two meetings each month. In October, they focused on topics such as training in human resources and professional attire. In November, they discussed crucial conversations and goal setting for success. They attend UNCG’s annual Career Services Etiquette Dinner, and they attended HRMAG’s December monthly meeting.
As they finalize their plans for the spring semester, McFarlane is excited for the new events they’ll be holding, including a human resources job fair and a HRMAG professional mixer. “We want students to get to pick their [the professionals’] brains.” They also hope to start a mentoring program with HRMAG, something the professional chapter offers to schools in the Triad.
For questions, please email them at hrma@uncg.edu, and visit them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @uncghrma for more information on upcoming events.
