Student Chapter

Denise, the presenter from “Gold of the Desert Kings” hosted a very informative session designed to stimulate our ever growing experiences while working in “TEAMS.”  All attendees were divided into groups that played a competitive game in order to reach the top of the mountains and mine for gold.

After playing a successful game with 8 different teams, Denise shared some significant key points with the audience.  Denise led a group discussion and recommends the following:

• She used the word “HUBEROUS” which states that, “You may think you know everything but always look at areas within your academic and professional life that may need enhancing.”
• Never let your “COMPETITIVE SPIRITS” get in the way of our successful plans.
• People should “ASK QUESTIONS” and always think outside the box!
• When working in groups it is very important to have “SHARED TEAM GOALS.”

In summary, Denise’s message to the CSE audience was for all (students, workers, parents and people as a whole); to always think about possibilities and goals, and how to achieve those goals.  She further stated that, “People should maximize not compromise so in return we can get results.”  Her suggestion was to keep a “TO DO LIST” at all times as a guide to completing everyday tasks.  In all, the key to achieving any goals is to ensure the goals are specific, attainable, measureable, communicated and agreed upon. 

March 2009 Meeting

March 18 2009 marked another remarkable night for the SHRM student chapter at The College of St. Elizabeth, where over 30 attendees, students, faculty and guests interacted with presenter, Tim Ruef on the topic:  “Hiring for Success.” 

Tim conveyed to the audience that there are four pieces to the Hiring puzzle.   Hiring effectively should include: Laying the foundation, Preparing for Interviews, Managing the Candidate and Integrating the New Hire.  According to Tim, there are many advantages for Human Resource Professionals to incorporate the four pieces of the Hiring puzzle.  

First, by Laying the Foundation HR professionals can:

• Understand the various roles
• Engage and partner with hiring managers and staffing partners
• Manage the job search like a project
• Follow the process

 Second, HR professionals should Prepare for Interviews:

• Decide who will interview – Boss, Peer, Cross Functional, Subordinates
• Notify candidates how many rounds of interviews
• Share the candidate’s background with interviewers two full days before the interview, including cover letter, resume and background summary
• Everyone involved in the interview process should be on time for the interview
• Interviewers and Interviewees should dress in professional attire
• Allow time for follow-up and debriefing

 The third piece of the Hiring puzzle discussed is Managing the Candidate:

• Continuous communication between all parties involved in the hiring process is key
• Reaching out and guiding the candidate is also important
• Extending the offer appropriately to the candidate is another relevant factor

The fourth category that can have impact on HR Professionals is the Integration of a New Hire:

• Prevent uncomfortable, unwelcoming, and impersonal orientation
• Establish good relationships
• Improve retention rate

Tim’s closing remarks to new graduates included a well written resume and cover letter.  Additionally Networking was suggested as a vital source for acquiring a new job.

Join us as our Student Chapter begins a new program year in the fall:

CSE Student Affiliate SHRM Chapter Fall 2009/Spring 2010 Officers:

Cameal Hibbert – President                                             
Rackeesha Johnson – President-elect
Rukia (June) Francis – Secretary     
Olga Leonor Grech – Treasurer
Olivia Brown – Fundraising

January 2009 Meeting

On Thursday January 29th 2009, the CSE Student Affiliate Chapter of SHRM held their first spring semester meeting with over 50 attendees comprised of CSE graduate and undergraduate students, alumni, along with members of the Morris County SHRM Board. 

Will Fern of TEAMagic presented a dynamic program designed to incorporate "magic" and improvisations into a team bonding experience.  The attendees divided into groups and were instructed to create then perform short skits on topics incorporating: corporate leadership; communication; and economic issues.  There was a multitude of zany costumes supplied to help create the illusion for each scenario.  Magic tricks became metaphors for behavioral change.  It was the perfect combination of creativity, laughter, learning and fun.  Here’s what attendees said about the TEAMagic program:  

“This was a fun and innovative way of teaching skills.” 

“It was good to meet new people and network with classmates.” 

“Great activity that allowed teamwork, leadership and allowed for conversation around HR & management skills.” 

The CSE Student Chapter will host two chapter programs each semester.  Won’t you please join us for networking and fun as you learn how to develop your HR skills?  

The 2nd program was scheduled for March 18, 2009.  We welcome students, alumni, business professionals as well as non SHRM members. 

September 2008 Meeting

On September 24 the Ward Dining Hall at College of St. Elizabeth (CSE) was packed with over 80 students and Alumni who came to learn about the mentoring and professional development benefits of joining their new SHRM student chapter.   The compelling “Networking is Not Just for Not Working” presentation delivered by SHRM Central NJ Chapter President, John McBride, SPHR and their chapter member, Keith Bogen, SPHR proved to be the perfect topic for an audience at the forefront of their careers and alumni seeking new insights.

The fun filled launch was co-hosted by: Dr. Kathleen Reddick, Director of Graduate Management Program and Student Chapter Advisor at CSE, Debra Martin, Executive Director CSE Alumni Association, and the Morris County-SHRM chapter.  In addition to a delicious bountiful buffet, and bingo networking there was a plethora of door prizes – including a free registration to the Garden State Council November Annual State Conference donated by Morris County-SHRM.  At the end of the evening there wasn’t a brownie left and more than 25 enthusiastic hands were raised high indicating their interest to become one of the first CSE SHRM Student Chapter members.
 
An event such as this does not happen without someone at the helm guiding the Advisory Committee to success.  In early 2008, Dr. Reddick and Morris County-SHRM College Relations Chairperson, Nadia Moses, discussed a vision to create a SHRM Student Chapter.  Through the dedicated and creative efforts of a diverse group of Alumni, Faculty and Morris County-SHRM Board members, it is now a vision realized.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Reddick referred to the “power of one” when acknowledging Nadia.  This launch was a stellar example of how the power of each one who contributed to this vision created new opportunities that will empower students and alumni to flourish in their careers as well as enhance their personal development.