Information On Human Resources : An Interview with Bizymoms Top Blogger 2010 Recipients Lisa Rosendahl

1. What made you choose Human Resources?

I didn’t choose HR – initially. I was leaving the military and interviewing with a paper manufacturer for a supply management position. After the interviews, the team asked me if I had ever considered Human Resources. At the time, and it was not that long ago, my perception of HR was a very administrative (and boring) department that processed pay actions. HR was definitely not the field for me. They offered me the opportunity to spend some time with an HR department at one of the paper mills to see it in action. Sure, there was some processing of personnel actions and benefits work being done, but there were also employee relations, labor relations, staff development, recruitment and coaching actions going on. It was a pretty dynamic department. I took the job and haven’t looked back since.

2. What sort of information on the field of Human Resources and HR Management do you provide in your blog?

Simply Lisa focuses on leadership, growth and human resources, with a touch of social media. I am an HR professional in an organization and I write from that perspective to share what I’ve learned and insights I’ve gained as well as a place to connect with other HR professionals over similar issues. I am also a mom and so much of what I do is framed by that. My daughter and I are establishing a blog, Raising Tarah (http://www.raisingtarah.com); she can be a writing machine and regularly out produces me.

3. What do you think are the key factors to your success in the HR field?

My military experience and education got me in the door initially however developing solid relationships, being true to my word and always learning have been keys to my continued success. I have been fortunate to work for people who have provided me with the opportunities to learn, to contribute and, of course, to make mistakes. You don’t have to join the Army to be successful in HR, but having an open mind, a willingness to understand issues from another’s perspective and strong critical thinking skills will separate you from the masses.

4. What sort of education does one need to start a career in HR?

A degree is not required for entry level HR, however, it will increase your competitiveness for beyond entry level positions. I am a strong proponent of higher education, if only for the critical thinking skills and exposure to new ideas. Degrees in human resource management, organizational development, or business provide students with a solid foundation to build upon. Once in HR, there are professional certifications a practitioner can achieve based on actual, learned experiences on the job. I have a bachelor’s degree in Biology and masters’ degrees in both Management and Organizational Development. I am certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Human Capital Strategist (HCS).

5. What advice can you give young and aspiring Human Resources executives to make their career blossom and prosper?

Read books, read journals and read blogs on human resources, leadership, business, and creativity. Get online. Network with other HR professionals. Ask questions. Never stop learning. Get involved with local HR organizations. Learn the business. Befriend the Chief Financial Officer. Read.

6. How attractive and lucrative are careers in HR Management?

Not as attractive and lucrative as they could be! Seriously, you can find HR is almost any organization in any different sector in a variety of different roles. The salaries vary as widely as the position, the role, the organization and the sector.

7. How has the role of a HR department in an organization changed from 10 years ago to now?

HR departments had been, traditionally, very transactional. However, HR is a profession in the midst of change. HR professionals now can play influential and transformational roles in an organization, impacting and delivering on business goals. If you watch carefully, you will notice the struggle between the old and new; between compliance and innovation, and between complacency and progress. Progress and innovation are winning out as the profession changes to provide the services and expertise organizations need to succeed.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) (http://www.shrm.org) is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management and is a great resource for human resource professionals and anyone looking to learn more about the profession.

People looking to impact change will find amazing opportunities in the human resource field.