Question: Informational Interview of Human Resource (HR) Professional

Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to gain a better understanding of the role Human Resources (HR) has within an organization, as this relates to career management, and how this benefits both the individual worker and the organization overall. The intent is to raise the student's awareness of how HR professionals are enhancing organizations through career development processes and programs.

Assignment: For this assignment, you are to interview an HR professional; the purpose of this assignment is to gain a better understanding of the role they have within the organization, their job function and duties, and how they entered the field, as well as how their role relates to career management and their view on HR's role in helping employees to develop and manage theirs. The interview would also include any recommendations they would make for those entering in the HR profession.

Once the interview is completed, you are to write a 3-4-page paper (does NOT include the cover and reference page) that overviews this interview, covering key issue below, and then a synthesis of the information learned. Include at least one peer-reviewed source to support a key issue you've uncovered through the interview. The paper should be double-spaced, 12-point font. This paper is due in Week 4.

Be proactive in scheduling and remember to be respectful of your interviewee's time.

Some questions to consider (these are suggested, not required, so come up with your own):

• What led you into the field of Human Resources?

• What are your job duties and responsibilities? What kinds of jobs and experiences have led to your present position?

• What type of training, education, or certifications are necessary, or that you would recommend?

• What part of your job do you consider most fulfilling? Most challenging?

• What do you like most about working in the HR industry? What do you dislike the most?

• What recommendations/advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the field?

• What roles in HR would you suggest one can consider?

• What are your thoughts on the employment outlook for the HR field, such as demand, future jobs, opportunities

• Thoughts on any factors that are impacting HR in general and their current role (i.e. diversity, gender roles, generations, technology, etc).

• What do you see as HR's responsibility regarding career management?

• What types of offering or programs does your organization provide employees related to career development? Are these mandatory or optional?

• What are the critical areas an organization should focus on for employees (i.e. leadership, more training, succession planning, etc?

• Are career development programs managed within the HR department or another role? Is leadership involved in helping to manage these programs?

• Is HR involved in the strategic plans of the organization and how?

• How does the organization address generational issues, regarding recruiting/hiring, keeping them engaged, making a career transition/progression, developing leaders, etc. and what is HR's role in any of these?