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Poole Senior Robert Martin Receives SHRM Scholarship

Robert Martin, a senior in the NC State University Poole College of Management, is one of 11 college students who recently received scholarships from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation.

Martin is completing his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources management (HR) and expects to graduate in May 2012. One of his long-term goals is to work in the healthcare field, assisting hospitals with strategic planning, training and development.

He credits an introductory human resources course that he took during his sophomore year with putting him on his career path. The course was taught by Poole College Human Resources Lecturer Clint Davidson, who also is faculty advisor for the NC State student chapter of SHRM, based in the college.

“Professor Davidson has really developed NCSU|SHRM into a great organization with over 70 members and multiple corporate sponsors,” Martin said, adding that it was Davidson’s passion and commitment to HR that prompted him to begin researching the field. He also credits Davidson’s teaching style with challenging him to continually search for knowledge and learning.

Martin ultimately joined the student SHRM chapter, which provided opportunities for him to network with HR professionals and other HR students. He currently serves as the chapter president.

Through his membership in the student club, Martin said he learned about career opportunities, scholarships, opportunities for involvement with the Raleigh-Wake HRMA chapter, and how to develop into a young professional.

Internships that he completed in the past two years in the HR departments at Duke Raleigh Hospital and Cisco Systems provided real world perspective on how HR functions in different business systems.

“The faculty in the Poole College of Management is really top notch,” Martin said. “I am so thankful for all that they have done.”

Martin was born in Burlington, N.C., and attended Walter M. Williams High School. His parents are Dr. John Martin, a professor at Appalachian State University, and Dr. Genie Martin, a Presbyterian minister. His prior accomplishments include receiving the Eagle Scout Award in 2006, the Turrentine Scholarship from 2008 to 2011, and being on the NC State University Dean’s List from 2008 through 2011.

The SHRM Foundation Scholarship is awarded to distinguished students whose accomplishments, character, and leadership potential set them apart from other applicants. Recipients are primarily selected on merit. Undergraduate applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have completed at least one HR management course.

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Visit the national SHRM website

Visit the NC State chapter of SHRM