In Transition
SETTING YOU UP FOR CAREER TRANSITION SUCCESS
Do you know of fellow HR professionals who are currently in between jobs? If so, please let them know BNHRA offers a NO cost In Transition membership package that includes our Goodwill Fund sponsored by StaffBuffalo, LLC 
The In-transition Committee connects BNHRA members that are currently in-transition and also those seeking a new employment opportunity with one another, as well as services in the community such as training, career coaching, and networking.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact the In Transition Director.
IN TRANSITION BLOG
Building A Career in HR without Losing Yourself
Building a successful career in Human Resources (HR) can be both fulfilling and challenging. The dynamic nature of HR roles, which include talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits management, and strategic planning, requires a blend of empathy, administrative skills, and strategic thinking. However, amidst the demands of the job, it’s crucial to maintain a sense of self and avoid burnout. Here’s how to build your HR career without losing yourself.
Understand Your Motivation and Set Clear Goals
Understanding why you chose a career in HR is fundamental. Is it the opportunity to help others, the strategic role in shaping company culture, or the dynamic nature of the job? Knowing your motivations can help you set clear, meaningful career goals.
Setting Goals:
- Short-term Goals: These could include gaining specific HR certifications (like SHRM or PHR), mastering a new HR software, or improving specific skills like conflict resolution.
- Long-term Goals: Aim for roles you aspire to, such as HR Manager, Director of HR, or Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Think about the industries or companies you want to work for and the type of work culture you thrive in.
Prioritize Continuous Learning
The HR field is ever-evolving, with new laws, technologies, and best practices emerging regularly. Staying updated not only makes you a more effective HR professional but also keeps your job interesting and engaging.
Strategies for Continuous Learning:
- Certifications and Courses: Enroll in HR certification programs and courses. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and HR-specific organizations offer valuable resources.
- Reading and Research: Regularly read HR blogs, industry news, and research papers. Follow influential HR professionals and thought leaders on social media.
- Networking: Join HR professional groups and attend industry conferences and webinars to exchange ideas and learn from peers.
Maintain Work-Life Balance
HR professionals often deal with stressful situations and high workloads. To avoid burnout, it’s crucial to establish a healthy work-life balance.
Tips for Work-Life Balance:
- Set Boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and stick to them. Avoid taking work home or checking emails outside of office hours.
- Time Management: Prioritize your tasks and delegate when possible. Use tools and techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and productive.
- Self-Care: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are vital. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as hobbies, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is critical in HR roles, which often require handling sensitive issues and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. High EQ helps in understanding and managing your emotions and those of others.
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence:
- Self-Awareness: Regularly reflect on your emotions and reactions. Keep a journal to track your thoughts and feelings.
- Empathy: Practice active listening and try to understand others’ perspectives. Empathy fosters better relationships and a supportive work environment.
- Communication Skills: Clear and compassionate communication is key. Whether you’re mediating a conflict or delivering difficult news, how you communicate matters.
Advocate for Yourself
In a role focused on supporting others, HR professionals can sometimes neglect their own needs. It’s important to advocate for your own career development and well-being.
Self-Advocacy Tips:
- Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your supervisors and peers. Use it constructively to improve your skills and performance.
- Professional Development: Don’t hesitate to ask for opportunities that support your growth, such as attending conferences, workshops, or taking on new projects.
- Career Path: Discuss your career aspirations with your manager and seek mentorship. A good mentor can provide guidance, support, and help you navigate your career path.
Foster a Positive Work Environment
Creating a positive work environment not only benefits the organization but also enhances your job satisfaction. By fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration, you contribute to a healthier, more engaging workplace.
Building a Positive Culture:
- Recognition Programs: Implement or advocate for programs that recognize and reward employees' efforts and achievements.
- Inclusive Practices: Promote diversity and inclusion in hiring, training, and everyday interactions.
- Supportive Policies: Develop policies that support work-life balance, mental health, and professional development.
Building a career in HR without losing yourself requires a balance of professional dedication and personal well-being. By setting clear goals, prioritizing continuous learning, maintaining work-life balance, developing emotional intelligence, advocating for yourself, and fostering a positive work environment, you can thrive in your HR career while staying true to yourself.
Remember, your well-being is as important as your professional achievements. Prioritize both, and you’ll find success and fulfillment in your HR journey.
Past Blogs:
May 2024: The Role of HR Certification in Your Career Journey
April 2024: Telling Your HR Story for Impact and Job Offers
February 2024: Flipping the Script: How HR Professionals Can Excel as Interviewees
January 2024: New Year...New Job: How to Land the HR Job of Your Dreams
October 2023: Navigating a Confidential Job Search
August 2023: Mastering Career Transitions in HR
MENTORING OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for BNHRA members to offer mentoring and support to members that are in-transition and for HR student members. This may include assistance with resumes, suggestions about interviewing or skills, career development, training, and making a career transition. If you are interested, please contact the In Transition Director or the College Relations Director.
If you are a current SHRM member who is in a job transition, you may request a 3 to 6 month membership extension by emailing [email protected] within 30 days prior to your membership expiration date.
CURRENT MENTOR VOLUNTEERS
Karen Sharp-Price is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC). She is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) as well as a Certified Professional in Human Resources (SHRM-CP). She started Sharp Human Resources in 2001 which originally assisted small businesses in their HR needs but has transitioned the business into career coaching over the years. This past May, Sharp Human Resources celebrated their 20th Anniversary. www.sharphumanresources-buffalo.com
Karen has a passion for assisting those who are motivated to find the career that best fits their personality, interests and abilities. Whether looking for work, re-entering the workforce after a number of years, or considering finding a new career Sharp Human Resources helps clients on their career journey. She will assist in sharing assessment resources, evaluating/writing resumes, sharing tips on creating a strong LinkedIn profile, preparing for interviews, and developing networking skills to land the optimal position.
Karen is an Instructor/Career Consultant at Daemen College in their Business department where she teaches students how to prepare for their future careers in business.
Most recently, Karen started her own Podcast - SharpHR Career Corner in 2020. The podcast informs, enlightens, and inspires when it comes to careers. In 2022, the podcast is focusing on women and topics surrounding women. https://sharphrcareercorner.podbean.com
Jennifer Hasse is a SHRM and HRCI certified professional with 17+ years of HR experience. She is presently our Government Affairs Director, serves as Board Chairperson for Penn Dixie Fossil Park, and has led virtual and in-person speaking engagements including the NYS SHRM conference! Jen has experience in healthcare, education, manufacturing, media, and craft beer/restaurant industries – union and non-unionized environments – as well as the nonprofit sector. She enjoys networking, making connections and helping people find jobs!
www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhasse
Collin Gehl is the President-Elect for the Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association. He previously served on the Board as College Relations Director. Collin has been the Director of Human Resources at Say Yes Buffalo since July 2021. He came to SYB after having been at Child & Family Services since 2016 as Talent Acquisition & Development Manager. Along with his role on the BNHRA Board, Collin currently sits on the Boards for Tapestry Charter School and Just Buffalo Literary Center. He is also a member of the Emerging Philanthropists of Color (under the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo) and is an alumnus of Leadership Buffalo (RL ’04).
Becky Juroe has worked as a human resources professional for thirty years. She’s held positions in a variety of organizations such as large companies, small family businesses and non-profits. Her work has focused on consulting with leaders on managing and maximizing employee talent that achieves results and coaching individuals to be successful in their professional pursuits. She’s provided a variety of customized solutions that align with current and changing business needs. This includes performance management, compensation, development, recognition, talent acquisition, and employee relations.
Having walked through joys and challenges in her career, including job transition, Becky looks forward to encouraging and equipping others based on the valuable experiences and lessons she’s learned.
Becky is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and has an MBA.
Emily Buerger is a SHRM certified professional with a Masters of Science degree in Communication and Leadership and 9+ years of HR experience. She has knowledge of both In-house HR as well as outsourced HR services. Currently working for a PEO, Emily has experience with organizations of all sizes and in several industries including but not limited to healthcare, non-profit, tech, and AEC. She enjoys giving back to the community through volunteering and helping people learn more about the HR industry. Emily has also been involved in student mentorship having volunteered with multiple organizations focused on preparing students for interviewing and working in their first professional positions.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-buerger-shrm-scp-636b2764/
Your Buffalo HR Job Search
Rich in history with a thriving culture, Buffalo is a great city with a big heart and a growing job market. Tech has found a home here and our medical corridor is the envy of many other cities. Of all the things known about Buffalo – chicken wings, lake effect snow, and affordable housing – we are also known as the City of Good Neighbors and for good reason. We genuinely like each other and enjoy living here. The Buffalo area encompasses many close-knit neighborhoods that combine to form a strong ecosystem of communities and make our region a great place to build a career.
Buffalonians value relationships and while the pandemic has put some distance between us, we continually look for opportunities to come together. While Buffalo is the second largest city in New York State, it still has a hometown feel.
With relationships at the forefront of who we are and what we hold dear, developing and leveraging a strong professional network is key to long-term career success. A powerful network can begin and be cultivated online, and ideally, be continued in-person when the opportunity presents itself. Most jobs are contained in the hidden job market (not posted to the public), so speaking to people that already work at the companies you are targeting is a highly effective way to learn about these jobs.
Tips for conducting your Buffalo job search:
- Get clear on your goals. This is the foundation for a successful job search anywhere because developing clarity about the specifics of the job you want and the employer you want to work for creates a streamlined path to success.
- Get your resume in top working order and build out your LinkedIn profile. Set up job alerts for the companies and job titles that you are targeting.
- With the popularity of remote work, career opportunities have become almost limitless with the ability to live in Buffalo and work anywhere, so don’t necessarily limit yourself to where you work.
- Talk to people. Buffalo folk love to get together for coffee, lunch, wings, or a craft drink.
- If you are not a confidential job seeker, openly ask for help from those you know and those who work where you want to work.
- Get out and be seen. There always a professional networking event happening in-person or virtually and are a great place to meet decision makers. Eventbrite can be a great way to learn about events near you and specializing in the industries you work in.
- Reach out to recruiters. The statistics are clear: Despite the popularity of online job boards, most of the best jobs are not posted and third-party recruiters like www.StaffBuffalo.com hold the key to many of these opportunities.
- BNHRA is the #1 source for HR jobs. Join BNHRA and enjoy its resources and engage with your HR peers.
- Make yourself more competitive by gaining one of the certifications available through SHRM https://www.shrm.org/certification/Pages/default.aspx
- Keep your certifications current to continually grow your expertise and maintain your competitive advantage. The BNHRA offers monthly webinars and opportunities to gain CEUs to be applied toward recertification.
In-Transition Helpful Resources:
Additional Resources
| In-Transition Committee | |
