Episode 29

May 13, 2021

by Melanie Reed

This episode features an engaging and fun conversation with two of my former HR students; Himanshi Patel and Nikita Kumar. During our conversation, they talk about their experiences with landing their first HR role. Both of these remarkable people were International students who are new to Canada and both have secured their first HR roles less than a year after graduation.

They have some incredible advice to share with other new grads about what they believe made them successful so far. If you are looking for your first HR role or looking to level up your career, you will definitely want to listen to what they have to say. We also talk about what they love to read, watch and sip and how they are managing their stress in a COVID world.

Here is a summary of the career tips shared by my two guests.

Make your job search a priority.
Build your HR Network. Make connections with people working in the field.
Be open to any job or opportunity.
Get advice or seek help from a career coach or mentor.
Use your time to build your skills and certifications.
After you apply for a job reach out to someone in the HR department to learn more about working for the organization.

Here is a summary of the episode:

[05:47] - Himanshi shares a little bit about her role at FoodEx Urban Delivery, an online grocery company. She works as an HR Coordinator and provides HR Team and Recruiting support. FoodEx began operating in 2018 and are extremely busy during the pandemic.
[09:17] - Nikita talks about her role as the HR Coordinator for the Penticton Indian Band which is one of the seven communities of the Okanagan Nation. She is involved with recruiting, performance management, employee file management, and is now learning learning payroll. Nikitia also support recruitment for all positions in the Penticton Indian Band community.
[12:21] - Nikita shares her motivation for pursuing a career in HR. Not surprising it is linked to a desire to help people. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Business with a focus on HR and really enjoys the opportunity to support employees.
[14:32] - Himanshi's background is quite different. Her first degree was in Software Engineering, but after she became a Manager she realized how much she enjoyed supporting people and being the face of the organization. This led her to pursue an MBA in Mumbai, India and then pursued global HR by studing at TRU in Kamloops, BC, Canada.
[17:04] - My guests about how they approached their job search when they graduated. What is most interesting is that both of them began their HR job search in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. What is also important to note is that they both made their job search a priority, they networked with HR professionals and were open to any opportunity. Himanshi also shared how a Career Mentor helped her be successful in her job search.
[29:00] - This was a gem in this conversation. Himanshi says, "getting a job is a full-time job." This is so profound and important.
[30:31] - Next we talk about what my guests feel ultimately made them successful in getting their first HR role. Nikita feels that although her interview went well, she really feels that putting in the effort and focus into every job application is a key to success. Make sure you show some interest and care in your application! Nikita also used one of my favourite strategies to prepare for her interview. She engaged a friend to help her practice. I love it!
[35:08] - Himanshi's shares that having a Career Mentor and networking were key to her success. She also tells us that rejections were very helpful for her as well as taking notes during the interview. Her employer even mentioned that it helped her stand out! Himanshi also recommends reaching out to employment agencies.
[41:50] - The final question I asked my guests is what advice they would give new graduates who want to pursue an HR Career. Himanshi feels persistence and hard work are key. She also recommends that you don't wait to graduate. Start preparing for your career when you are studying. Join clubs and associations to make connections and get experience.
[43:51] - Nikita adds that being active on LinkedIn is very important to your career search. And know what is going on in the HR field.
[46:00] - We had lots of fun with the speed questions! They both shared amazing advice - life is meant to be fun, don't be so driven that you miss out and be open! Oh, and drink wine! ;)

Here are helpful links to resources and other episodes that will guide you as you start a new HR role:

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