College of Business spotlights new HR minor at networking event

Eastern Connecticut State University's College of Business promoted its new minor in human resources (HR) on Nov. 11 at a career and networking event. The event brought together students and professionals from the Human Resources Leadership Association (HRLA) to discuss the dynamic field of human resources.

"There are incredible career paths available to you," said Dean Niti Pandey, encouraging students to mingle with the professionals in attendance. "Ask the right questions; ask all the questions."

Pandey added: "This (HR minor) is something very close to my heart. ... It is going to be an exciting option for students from all disciplines at Eastern, not just for College of Business students, as it gives incredible employability skills to any graduate."

The fall 2024 semester marked the launch of the new program, which was created by the Department of Business Administration in collaboration with the departments of Psychological Science and Economics & Finance. The field of human resources involves managing an organization's employees, including functions such as recruiting, hiring, training, benefits, employee relations and much more.

"The minor in HR management prepares individuals to manage human capital development in organizations," explained Emiliano Villanueva, chair of business administration. "It provides a basic understanding of the relationship between work and employment from the perspectives of several disciplines." He highlighted how the program's liberal arts background also teaches students critical thinking, ethical reasoning and communication skills, which are invaluable assets in many professional environments.

Moderated by Professor Linda Ferraro, the career and networking event included a panel with HR professionals, followed by interactive networking activities with Eastern alumni and HRLA members.

"Students have the opportunity to get a realistic job view of what work entails on a day-to-day basis, so they can understand what going into HR looks like," said Ferraro. In her coursework, Ferraro said that students look at HR from a macro perspective: "... It's a (broad) role, affecting engagement, culture and employee success."

A topic discussed by panelists was the qualities they prioritize when hiring an employee. Tam Higgins, first vice president and human resources manager at Chelsea Groton Bank, highlighted the importance of "curiosity to learn and flexibility in a workforce that is ever-changing. I think it's important for all of us, no matter what field that may land in, to be curious."

Meghan Avery, the senior vice president at Unemployment Tax Control Associates (UTCA), reflected on her career journey. "I wish that someone had told me that you don't have to be a certain type (of employee) to do a certain job," she said. "You just have to find an interest, develop it and make it work for you."

The discussion also touched on recent changes in the industry. "HR is evolving in every part of the organization," said UTCA Principal Evan Murphey, citing his own experiences at the firm. "Their views of the organization are so much more unique than the traditional HR standpoint."

Arnetia Green, director of human resources and risk management for the Town of Groton, encouraged students to embrace modern resources, saying "Utilize the tools that are available today. You can follow an HR podcast; you can go on LinkedIn and follow the type of people that you want to emulate in HR."

Students also had the opportunity to network with professionals in human resources, including both HRLA members and Eastern alumni. Represented companies included Hartford HealthCare (HHC), Chelsea Groton Bank and Travel Insured International.

Jimmy Miller '22, a representative in employee and labor relations for HHC, is an Eastern graduate who concentrated in HR. He explained his role in managing compliance and education on various union contracts.

For students, the event not only offered valuable networking opportunities but also inspired new career aspirations. Ava Sanchez, a student attendee, shared how the event transformed her perspective. "When I entered the room, I had little consideration of HR being a field I would want to go in," she said. She shared that after the event, "I called my parents to share my newfound passion for HR. The experience was truly eye-opening."