Student SHRM Chapter Wins Merit Awards

The national SHRM organization received 112 entries for this recognition program, but only 38 were accomplished enough to receive the Student Chapter Merit Award. "Recipients of the student chapter merit award have a proven track record of providing their members networking and educational opportunities which assist their members in making the transition from backpack to briefcase," said Chuck Salvetti, the SHRM chapter’s student programs manager.

Students in the organization participate in bi-weekly meetings where they learn from speakers who share tips on how to succeed in the field of human resources. Participants also discuss news in the world of HR, what the job of an HR manager entails, and what employers are looking for when hiring.

"The most important thing about SHRM," said Glenda Diaz, SHRM chapter vice president for the merit award, is that "students are given the resources to succeed in the HR world." One of these resources is an online resume book, which contains the resumes of all of the students in the chapter. This provides recruiters a comprehensive look at the chapter's candidates for various HR positions.

In addition to local chapter meetings, SHRM student members participate in both national and local events, such as the annual HR Games. North Carolina teams compete at the state level first, and the top teams then compete against other SHRM chapters in the Southeast region. Diaz describes the HR Games as similar to Jeopardy! except that the questions are all related to the HR profession. The team members meet often to study the terms they will be quizzed on in the competition. "Our study sessions are intense but they help in both the games and in classes," she said.

SHRM members also give back to the community by organizing fundraisers, such as a bake sale held last year. Funds raised were given to Summit House, a nonprofit organization that provides an alternative to prison for female felons who are pregnant or have young children. "The money pays for software for the women, so that they can build their resumes and rebuild their lives," Diaz said.

Diaz said she has high hopes for the club this year, noting that its ever-strengthening structure is attracting more students to its meetings. In addition to the opportunities for networking, she says, "People are just more motivated to be in an organization that is recognized for its accomplishments."

Clint Davidson, a lecturer in the College of Management's Department of Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is the student chapter's faculty advisor this year.