The past three months I have been learning more about the importance of communication skills in the world of human resources. I have spent numerous hours each week writing reports, creating presentations, communicating with employees, and organizing files. Each project I took on while helping in the human resources department stretched my skills and allowed me to apply myself in different ways. By the end, I felt as though I achieved a balanced application of my skills.
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of my experience was to apply my knowledge from visual media, interpersonal communication, and organizational principles to human resources. Those working in human resources have many responsibilities. Examples include communicating with employees, ensuring all company practices are lawful, and keeping all information organized and filed accordingly. Because of the expansive nature of this work, I knew there would be numerous opportunities to apply my knowledge in a new realm. My overall objective was to become confident and comfortable working in human resources while also providing valuable skills to the company.
The Project
While working in the human resources department, I had a variety of experiences. I created a statistical analysis report, a powerpoint presentation for a management meeting, an electronic version of the existing employee handbook, and various instruction documents for employees. Because of the nature of the work, much of my work cannot be shared or discussed, but all examples of work allowed to shared is seen below with some private information removed.
The largest portion of my project was simply working alongside the human resources department. For three months, I was able to complete projects, sit in on meetings, and work alongside other professionals. While I cannot provide a visual representation of that experience, it ultimately helped me reach the objectives of this project. I became comfortable with the company’s processes while also being able to provide value through my own skills and expertise.
Challenges
The biggest challenge of the project was not knowing what each task would be. Because I had no prior experience in human resources, all upcoming tasks were unknown and foreign to me. Despite my inexperience, I was committed to putting in the time and research to provide the best end product. Each time I was asked to create something, talk to employees, or organize files, I would ask questions to build an understanding of what was needed. This understanding aided me in accomplishing my work to the best of my abilities. Although I was continually removed from my comfort zone, I was able to grow and learn throughout the process while applying my own skills and expertise.
Another challenge 0f this project was providing ample time to complete each task. Because I had a limited time each week to work with the human resources department, staying focused and on-task was essential. Each time I began working on a new task, I would write things down and create a game plan. Organization was absolutely essential to my success, and it was through this habit of organization that I was able to complete each task successfully while being a full-time student with two jobs.
Project Processes
The process for my individual tasks varied, but I always went through general steps for each one. The very first step was to listen. I would carefully listen and write down what was being asked of me. This ensures clear direction and helps me to create an action plan. The second step was to ask questions. Before I begin my work, I want to clearly understand what is needed and clear up any confusion. Numerous mistakes can be avoided if questions are simply stated in the beginning. The third step is to research and prepare. Before immediately jumping into the final presentation or work, I want to make sure I have all the tools needed. Fourth, I bring in all the elements I can to make a cohesive and attractive end product. After finishing the project, the next step is to review. My hope is to catch any mistakes before it’s in the hands of another. The professionalism of my work is more clear when it is clean and free of mistakes. The last step is to ask how my work could be improved and check for questions. I want to make sure I have provided what is needed and that it is clearly understood. The biggest overall process I use is continual communication. I attempt to communicate clearly from beginning to end to make sure all involved are satisfied with the end result.
Overview of My Experience
Overall, I was able to accomplish both of my objectives and my purpose. Not only did I become confident and comfortable working in human resources, I was also able to provide value to the company. By taking my knowledge and applying it, I further developed my skills while adding new skills for future work. One example of a skill that was improved was my understanding of organizational principles. This understanding was deepened during the unique opportunity to personally analyze problems within the organization, and even though I grew a lot during my experience, the process wasn’t easy
When I first began, I was nervous as I traveled into an unknown world, but after this project, I now feel more comfortable being uncomfortable. Instead of shying away from the unknown, I embrace it as a learning opportunity and an opportunity for improvement.
Insights and Takeaways
One important takeaway is to always pursue growth. The skills I came in with acted as a great foundation, but what I left with was much better. In each company, the expectations and processes are different, so it’s important to grow with the company and seek constant improvement. This is extremely relevant to human resources because they often adapt to unexpected changes and roadblocks; they must drop what they are doing to handle a more important situation if necessary. While working on my project, I learned to be more adaptable, overcome roadblocks, and prioritize important projects. It is important to work hard and focus, but it is also important to be adaptable and flexible.
Because of my experience, I was offered a full-time position with the company I coordinated this project with. Overall, the lesson is to have a purpose and run with it. The goal is to try to get the most out of every experience. By doing these things, I was able to turn a project into an opportunity for a future career. I’m extremely grateful for my experience in human resources and look forward to the experiences and projects to come.
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