Student Organization Spotlight: Society for Human Resource Management
Kelly Huynh, President of the Society for Human Resource Management
The Fowler College of Business’ student organizations have continued to operate effectively, host professional events, and engage with the community through virtual platforms, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. During San Diego State University’s Fall 2020 semester, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has provided several professional development events such as workshops, speaker series, Q&A panels, and mentoring events. Kelly Huynh (Senior, Management) President of SHRM, describes how the organization has adapted to the virtual environment, shares why students should join, and how SHRM has impacted her leadership experience. Huynh also describes her career aspirations while offering advice to current SDSU students.
About the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM):
Q:What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
SHRM at SDSU hosts professional development events such as workshops, speaker series, Q&A panels, mentoring/networking events, etc.
Q: What virtual events has your organization organized since the pandemic began?
Since the pandemic, SHRM SDSU has hosted a total of 7 virtual events. We started with virtual events as early as April when the pandemic first hit. We hosted a Pre-Conference Workshop, a Fall-Kick Off Event, Cover Letter/Interviewing Workshop, Personal Branding Workshop, and HR Professional Q&A Panel, just to name a few.
SHRM SDSU Officers attend the SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition in June 2019 in Las Vegas.
Q: How does SHRM connect with the community outside of SDSU?
SHRM SDSU is also affiliated with SHRM National and San Diego SHRM. We also often partner with other Student SHRM Chapters such as with SHRM at CSU San Marcos. Through our partnerships we are able to offer our members a variety of events and opportunities to network and gain development in personal and career areas.
Q: Why should students join SHRM?
As already mentioned, SHRM SDSU hosts a lot of amazing events for our members, but we are open to all majors. All SDSU Students are invited to all of our events and meetings (with the exception of the HR Speed Mentoring Event in Spring semesters), you don’t even need to be a member to join! However, there are perks to becoming a paid SHRM member which includes invitation to the mentioned HR Speed Mentoring Event, the opportunity to request a one-on-one HR mentor who is a SHRM SDSU Alumni, attend Conferences and professional HR events for FREE, and have the opportunity to run for an officer position out of the many roles we have, etcetera!
Q: How can a student get involved with SHRM?
Interested in learning more about SHRM SDSU? Feel free to take a look at our website shrmsdsu.com and or reach out to us at [email protected].
Q & A with SHRM President, Kelly Huynh
Name: Kelly Huynh
Major (and minor): Business Management Major with a specialization in HR Management (Minor in Marketing)
SHRM SDSU’s Spring 2020 Officer Board.
Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?
I got involved because I really enjoy leading a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. I really like that at SHRM, we have 15-16 officer positions that are up for grabs every semester. This gave me a lot of motivation to run for a position because I was able to find one that matched my current expertise and experience, while not getting overwhelmed and worried about taking on too much. Everyone in SHRM has been so helpful and officers truly become like your second family. The entire leadership team and our faculty advisor, Dr. Dean, always help one another and provide great support.
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful?
Personally, being in an executive officer position for a couple of semesters now has really helped me learn and improve my teamwork and delegation skills. You get to work with so many different types of individuals, many even outside of my HR field. The variety of perspectives I’ve gained from my experience at SHRM has helped me transition to working in the corporate world where you inevitably interact with so many diverse people and groups.
Q: What has been your favorite SDSU memory so far?
My favorite memory at SDSU so far was actually my freshman year. Everything was so new and different. I lived with 8 other girls so there was never a dull moment in the dorms. But in general, I’m happy to have made life-long friends through SDSU.
SHRM SDSU won the 2019 Outstanding Student Chapter Merit Award from SHRM National, which is only awarded to the top 12 schools in the nation annually.
Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
If I could go to my freshman year and give myself advice, I would tell myself to cut myself some slack and enjoy life a bit more. Sometimes I can be a bit too hard on myself and I forget to just live in the moment. But at the same time, if it weren’t for my hustle back then (and still hustling now), I wouldn’t be where I am today with internships and jobs lined up after graduation. I guess there needs to be a balance in all areas of your life.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
The best advice I’ve received from many different individuals during my time at SDSU has been “just do it.” Not necessarily in reference to Nike’s brand, but in general to just go for it even if it scares you. If you don’t try it, it’s an automatic “no” or “fail.” Taking the leap of faith to just try something has helped me expand my comfort zone.
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
I want to be in an HR Management role eventually and potentially even move up into more leadership type roles such as director or executive.
Q: Cats or Dogs? Easy DOGS! (follow my dog on Instagram @crazy.boi.max)
Q: Instagram or TikTok? Instagram
Q: Morning or Night? Night
Q: Shopping - In store or online? Even before COVID, I was an online shopper
Q: Panchos or Trujillos? Trujillos
Q: Favorite show to binge watch? Basic answer but The Office.
Q: Hidden Talent? I’m a skilled crafter (follow my art DIY page on Instagram @kellysDIY)
*Group photos were taken before March 2020
