Fowler College Class of 2021 Career Spotlight: Kelly Huynh, HR Co-Op at Western Digital

HR Graduate Applies Leadership Experience to Obtain Role at Western Digital

Kelly Huynh, Class of 2021.

While applying to colleges, Kelly knew she wanted to major in business and thought human resources (HR) would be a good fit to try, knowing she could always switch her major later. After enrolling in HR courses and joining Society for Human Resource Management, Huynh knew she made the right decision and soon found her passion for HR management. 

During her time at San Diego State University, Kelly improved her networking skills and confidence which allowed her to secure a rotational role at Western Digital after completing an internship with them in the Summer of 2020. She’s looking forward to beginning her HR career and reflects on how her time at SDSU prepared her for this new chapter. 

Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue HR as an area of study? 

Back in high school during my senior year, I knew I wanted to major in business but wasn’t too sure what exactly to focus on. Therefore, I knew I wanted to attend the Fowler College of Business School at SDSU. I did some research and stumbled upon Human Resources and thought it was a good match for me. I applied, as HR management at SDSU and figured I could always change my major later on if needed. *spoiler alert* I never changed my major!

Q: Describe the position you will begin after graduation (job functions, key role). 

I joined Western Digital for an HR Co-Op rotational program that includes three rotations lasting for six months each. Each rotation will be on a different HR team to give me more exposure to different areas of HR. I have just received my three HR rotations and it will be in HR Operations, HR Delivery (similar to HR customer service), and Talent Acquisition Operations. I am super excited to be joining these teams starting in July to broaden my HR knowledge. After these 18 months, I will be converted into a full-time HR position. 

Q: When did you receive your official job offer and what was your reaction when you received the offer? 

I was pretty lucky to receive the official job offer very early on back in September of 2020. I had just interned with Western Digital in the Summer of 2020 and was offered this co-op position soon after. I was so relieved to receive this position because in the midst of the pandemic, so much was uncertain.

Kelly Huynh with fellow SHRM Executive Board members. 

Q: How did you get connected with this company and position? 

I knew of the company Western Digital because my dad has worked for them for the past 12 years. However, I researched intern positions on my own and also applied on my own. I applied directly on their career website. 

Q: Did you use any other campus resources to help you acquire this position? If so, describe the support. 

In general, my experience with SHRM helped gain the leadership skills and self-confidence when I was internship searching. I think my confidence helped me talk the talk in addition to my experience at SHRM helping me walk the walk. 

Q: Are there specific skills you learned at SDSU (in class or otherwise) that helped you with the role’s qualifications? 

I learned how to network throughout my time at SDSU, especially through SHRM. SHRM helped me get comfortable with networking and how to do it through the many events the organization hosted. For example, SHRM hosts an annual HR Professionals Speed Mentoring event which gives students the opportunity to get to know an HR professional one-on-one in quick rotational intervals. I used to be intimidated by professionals and how to approach a conversation, but events that invite professionals onto campus to personally speak to students made me realize that most professionals you want to network with just want to help you. Then during my time on the executive board as the Secretary, Vice President, and President, I was responsible for reaching out to professionals to host these types of events which helped me get more comfortable with reaching out to “strangers” to network. Making connections helped me make my time worthwhile during my internship, which I think inevitably helped me land the full-time position.

Q: What advice do you have for fellow students, regardless of their field, looking to jumpstart their career and land their first job post graduation? 

I’m sure students have all heard this advice already but it is that important to NETWORK! You can network with mentors, professionals, professors, PEERS!, etc. You can learn so much from your colleagues, not just those more experienced than you. Making real connections with people as unique individuals, not just for your personal career gain, is super important in any career.

Kelly Huynh before graduation. 

Q: What is it that you are most looking forward to as you kick start this next chapter? 

Besides no longer having to worry about homework, quizzes, and exams, I am excited to gain more hands-on experience. Although I learned so much in my classes in school, nothing quite compares to real-world experience. I learned so much in my previous internships, so I know this rotational program will be just as educational. It’s actually so exciting (almost like an “aha” moment in your head) when you are able to apply what you learned in school to something you actually do at work. 

Q: What experience at SDSU has changed your life the most?

Hands down, SHRM has been the most impactful for me personally. I used to be pretty shy and scared to network, but by joining SHRM, I gained the confidence to become an officer and make my way up to Executive Chapter President. My time at SHRM has taught me so much about myself, HR as a career, and ways to professionally develop. 

Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU? 

The best advice I received at SDSU was to just do it. I know it sounds cheesy to use the Nike slogan but truly, I was super shy and nervous/anxious to do anything outside of my comfort zone. But with support and much needed push from friends and family, I found the courage to try things I never thought I was capable of. So if you are ever hesitating about something because you’re scared for one reason or another, just remember to just do it, because “what if” you succeed?