What I Wish I Knew – Emerging Professional Insights
This dynamic panel of emerging HR professionals will share their personal career journeys and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Leverage their professional experiences to learn how to jump start your career as an HR professional and avoid the pitfalls that emerging HR professionals often face.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss tactics, methods, concepts, resources, and opportunities learned from the panelists' lives and professional experiences.
- Explore areas of opportunities that will help professional develop the student attendee.
- Learn about SHRM and the impact SHRM had on the panelists' career and the resources the panelists utilized.
Crystal Granger, SHRM-CP
After graduating from Portland State University in 2016 with a double major in Human Resources and Management & Leadership I now find myself primarily in benefits and wellness. Over the last year learning these new roles at Harsch they fit together seamlessly. What I enjoy about benefits is vendor relationships, traveling for Open Enrollment presentations, and the 1:1 service I provide to employees. When couple that with a year-long wellness campaign that includes an Activity Challenge, Self-Care, and Adopt-A-Family Giving. I get to be creative, active, and help other focus on aspects of their lives outside of work.
Crystal represents and services the Pacific West Region membership council.
Rebecca Rowe, SHRM-CP
Rebecca is employed by Behrens Manufacturing as the Director of Human Resources based out Winona, MN. Rebecca has been an active volunteer with SHRM since 2012 in multiple capacities. Rebecca started her volunteer work while enrolled in the Human Resource Management program at Western Technical College where she served as Secretary. Since then, she has held several leadership roles including VP of Membership and President-elect. Rebecca continues to serves as the Volunteer Director for the Minnesota State SHRM Conference in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Rebecca is currently serving as President for her local chapter, Winona Area SHRM. Rebecca also serves on the Winona State University HR Advisory Board which focuses on the current curriculum for Human Resource students and what improvements can be made to the program to ensure that qualified candidates are entering the workforce.
Rebecca received her Associate's degree in Human Resource Management in 2012, her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources in 2015 and her Master's in Training and Human Resource Development in 2018. Rebecca obtained her SHRM-CP certification in July 2018.
Rebecca is passionate about working with students and young professionals to help them use their voice, advocate for the Human Resources profession and develop themselves as professionals. She also advocates for volunteer work with SHRM to help aid in the development of young professionals. She does this by lecturing at the local university on topics including: (1) resume building, (2) interview etiquette, (3) total compensation and (4) negotiating pay as a young professional. Rebecca has also participated in an episode of Honest HR to advocate for volunteer work with SHRM.
Rebecca currently resides in Winona, MN with her fiancé and enjoys camping and hiking her way through the entire Minnesota State Park system. She also enjoys traveling as often as she can.
Rebecca represents and services the North Central Region membership council.
Kirk Wyman, SHRM-SCP
Kirk Wyman is the Human Resources Manager for Elementum 3D, Inc. In addition to working with local staff, he regularly participates in global company HR initiatives. He has a people first approach to HR which has been developed through his passion for implementing best practices and utilizes data to help make informed decisions.
Kirk possesses a deep educational background in HR. He holds his MBA from University of Wyoming & a double Bachelors from University of North Dakota in Human Resource Management and Psychology. Kirk also holds multiple certifications including both the SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from HRCI.
Kirk has previously been involved with SHRM at multiple levels to include: collegiate, local and state and is excited to take on a national role. Additionally, Kirk is partnering with his previous educational institutions to serve as a mentor for students seeking careers in Human Resources. In his spare time Kirk enjoys participating in ice hockey where he plays and has served as a youth hockey coach.
Kirk represents and services the Southwest Central Region membership council.
Claire Stroh
Claire Stroh, MBA, SHRM-CP is currently the Manager, of Managed Talent Services at Lighthouse Technology Services and CEO of Claire is Coaching. She has used LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and networking to build her personal brand and uncover new opportunities for herself and the companies she’s worked for. She’s passionate about helping others do the same! Claire has more than 10 years of successively diverse human resources management experience with privately-owned and publicly-traded global leaders. She is an active member and blogger for SHRM and served on SHRM’s Emerging Professional Advisory Council (EPAC) for four years. Claire was named a 2022 HR Impact Award Winner by Buffalo Business First and 2022 Community Catalyst Award Winner by HRUnite!.
Amanda Brunson, SHRM-CP
Amanda Brunson is employed as a Global HR Business Partner by Sabre and is based in Orlando, FL. Amanda has been an active volunteer with SHRM since 2014 in many capacities. She's held several leadership positions for the Rollins College SHRM Student Chapter, Greater Orlando SHRM (GOSHRM) Chapter, and for HR Florida. Currently she supports the Chapter Marketing team for the 2021 HR Florida State Conference. Amanda joined the SHRM Young Professional Advisory Council (YPAC) in 2018 and is enthusiastic about her continued involvement..
Amanda received her Master in Human Resources Degree from Rollins College in May 2016. She holds an Advanced Leadership and Management Certificate from West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Additionally, Amanda obtained her SHRM-CP certification in January 2018.
Amanda is passionate about advocating for the Future of HR. She does this by sharing her knowledge and experience to aid others in attaining their goals. Amanda co-founded a blog called "The Future of HR" where she writes to make a difference, influence change, and support others. Amanda is also a contributor on the SHRM blog.
Amanda currently resides in Orlando, Florida and enjoys bowling, scrapbooking, and visiting Walt Disney World in her spare time.
Amanda represents and services the Southeast Region membership council.