Alyssa England鈥檚 drive for professional growth didn鈥檛 end after earning three degrees from USF. Now a recruiter at Kerkering Barberio, a local CPA firm in Sarasota, England recently decided to take her career to the next level by completing the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources class. This strategic move helped her prepare for the SHRM-CP exam, elevating her credibility in the field.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
England鈥檚 path to human resources was nontraditional. She earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing from USF, a master鈥檚 degree in marketing, and an MBA. During grad school, she juggled two roles 鈥� one as a graduate assistant at the Muma College of Business and one as a part-time recruiter at KB.
As a graduate assistant, she worked with people who knew they wanted to pursue graduate school. At KB, she reached out to people who weren鈥檛 necessarily seeking a new job. She helped them change careers or join the growing KB firm.
RECRUITING WORK
England鈥檚 supervisor at KB recognized her dedication to her work, and after graduation, England transitioned into a new full-time role as a talent acquisition coordinator.
She travels to career fairs, conducts job interviews, and completes reference checks 鈥� key aspects of the talent acquisition process. What England enjoys most is helping candidates feel at ease during interviews.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 my job to create an environment where the nerves naturally subside,鈥� England said. 鈥淛ust as much as it鈥檚 the candidate鈥檚 job to come to the interview prepared, it鈥檚 my job to make people comfortable in the conversation.鈥�
SEEKING GROWTH
An eager lifelong learner, England sought advice from her supervisor on strengthening her HR credentials. Feeling the absence of an academic routine she had during her time at USF, she knew she would enjoy a structured online program. She also wanted a challenge to enhance her credibility in the field.
鈥淚 craved the structure I had while in school,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he SHRM-CP exam felt like a natural next step, though I was a bit nervous given some past challenges with test-taking.鈥�
Naturally, she turned to USF, this time registering in classes offered through the university鈥檚 Corporate Training and Professional Education program.
CLASS EXPERIENCE
England opted for the live, online version of the SHRM Essentials of HR course to complete it quickly within two weeks. The course included modules on introductory HR concepts such as employee management skills and HR best practices. Connecting with fellow participants in the class was a major benefit for her.
鈥淚 knew I needed an environment where I could actively participate,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he class was a safe space where no question felt too small, and everyone supported one another.鈥�
Along with gaining knowledge, the class allowed England to expand her professional circle. She and her classmates formed study groups and virtual group chats to stay in touch outside of class meetings.
鈥淥ne of the great things about continuing education is that you鈥檙e not competing with other people, you鈥檙e just growing your network,鈥� England said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e all going toward the same goal.鈥�
NEW HORIZONS
The SHRM Essentials of HR class helped England pass the SHRM-CP exam with flying colors. Thanks to her new credentials, she has earned a raise and feels more confident in her recruiting work.
Her next step? Another credential offered through USF鈥檚 CTPE program. She has her sights set on earning a project management certification and plans to sit for the PMP certification within the next year.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important not to pigeonhole yourself 鈥� and that goes for learning opportunities too,鈥� she said.
Learn more about the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources class.