Keys to Success for Entry Level HR Pros

If you were asked to offer a piece of advice to entry-level HR professionals, what would you say?

Would you talk about saying "yes" to anything that comes your way? Would you tell them to actively listen, ask questions like crazy and understand why before recommending a change? How about learning the business of the business? Would joining a local SHRM chapter and networking like mad make your list?

Well, I was asked this very question by Ben Eubanks, Mr. Upstart HR. He is developing the "ultimate guide" for entry level HR professionals as a resource to help those who are just stepping into (or thinking about stepping into) our profession and was seeking tidbits of advice.

My tidbit is this:

Don't be lulled into believing your education ends with your degree. Your education is just beginning. No one HR gig will expose you to the full realm of HR so study for your Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) as soon as you are eligible to understand the full context within which you are operating. In HR From the Outside In, the authors note, "The domain in which HR tends to be the weakest is in understanding and applying technology to build HR efficiency, to leverage social networking, and to manage the flow of strategic information." Dig into HR technology and be the advocate and educator for your organization.

Wondering what others had to say? Well, wonder no more. Check out the Entry Level HR Jobs Ultimate Guide for info on places to find jobs, job descriptions, salary Ranges,career resources and more tips from the pros. Enjoy!

What piece of advice would you add?

Photo credit iStockphoto

Family, Friends and Apples: A Day in the Life Sunday

A few weeks ago I wrote about my ideal day. Yesterday, although it didn't involve a a spa or a new look, was what I would call a close-to-ideal day. It was our duly-declared fall tradition of visiting the orchards in town.

Growing up, either I didn't have (or didn't visit) apple orchards in my hometown. Now it has come to be the one thing we look forward to each year as summer moves on and fall fills the air.

My inner noise was quiet surrounded by pumpkins, horses and the sounds of Paul Imholte stringing in the background at Collegeville Orchards. It stayed quiet as we moved on to the apple (and a few pear) trees at Hidden Cove Orchards, my favorite orchard in town with. We walked among the trees, enjoyed the landscape and left with homemade apple pies, blueberry pies, apple bars and Honey Crisps to die for. On our way to the corn maze the kid and I get lost in every year, we stopped by St. John's Arbotetum and took the 1.5 mile tour on the boardwalk loop.

Surrounded by family, friends and a ton of sunshine, the day was great.

Today, after I get out and run (because I have weight to lose), we're heading to the Millstream Arts Festival before we take the boat out for what may be our last time on the Mississippi this season.

How about you, what have you been up to this weekend?