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Erin, HR Business Partner at County of Ventura: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from a communications degree and student newspaper work to a thriving HR Business Partner role at the County of Ventura is detailed in this insightful interview.
The path included a master's in public policy and administration, an internship, and a strategic climb through the ranks, fueled by strong communication and problem-solving skills.
The daily responsibilities are dynamic, involving recruitment, collaboration with hiring managers, and supervising staff, all within a merit-based system.
The interview highlights the importance of collaboration, effective communication, and continuous learning, emphasizing the value of asking questions and seeking mentorship.
A rewarding aspect is navigating complex situations and finding solutions, showcasing the impact of a diverse skillset and passion for public service.
This engaging career is open to undergraduates seeking support roles, allowing entry-level individuals to build foundational skills from the ground up.
The interview further emphasizes the value of diverse extracurricular involvement during undergraduate studies and the importance of self-confidence in navigating the professional world.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Erin Niemi
HR Business Partner
County of Ventura
Cal Lutheran University
Cal Lutheran University - Master's of Public Policy and Administration
Communications
Public Service
Human Resources (HR)
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Career Path Of A Personnel Analyst At County Of Ventura
Erin's career path began with a communications degree and student newspaper work, followed by a master's in public policy and administration after graduating in 2020. Their journey from a County of Ventura internship to a Personnel Analyst II position showcases a strong upward trajectory, fueled by initial roles in university marketing and "moving up through the ladder" within the HR department.
Main Responsibilities of a Recruiter at County of Ventura
Erin's role as a HR Business Partner at County of Ventura involves a dynamic recruitment process, including "formulating job postings," screening applications, and collaborating with hiring managers using a merit-based system, while also supervising two office assistants who manage the candidate referral process; this multifaceted role requires marketing skills and engagement in activities such as job fairs to achieve the goal of successful recruitment.
A Day In The Life Of An HR Business Partner At County Of Ventura
A personnel analyst's day at the County of Ventura involves prioritizing tasks from a variety of emails, including screening applications and scheduling meetings with hiring managers to refine job descriptions; this role is "meeting heavy," allowing for collaboration with stakeholders and one-on-one time with team members to ensure success.
Most Important Skills for an HR Business Partner at County of Ventura
Erin, a HR Business Partner, highlights the diverse skillset needed in HR, emphasizing "the ability to collaborate" and "problem solve" as crucial for addressing employee concerns and complaints across various HR functions. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are equally important for interacting with stakeholders and providing effective solutions, along with essential technical skills like computer proficiency and effective meeting management.
Favorite Parts Of Being An HR Business Partner At County Of Ventura
Erin's favorite aspects of her HR Business Partner role at the County of Ventura are the "dynamic collaborative atmosphere," working closely with hiring managers and candidates, and the unique opportunity to be "embedded in an organization that's dictated by policy," aligning with her Master's in Public Policy Administration and passion for public service. This blend of collaborative recruitment and policy influence makes the position particularly fulfilling for Erin.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An HR Business Partner At County Of Ventura
Erin's biggest challenge as an HR Business Partner at the County of Ventura is "trying to find people the correct information," often requiring extensive research and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. This challenge, however, is also the most rewarding aspect of the role, as successfully navigating complex situations and finding "common ground" to deliver solutions is incredibly empowering.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Human Resources Industry as an HR Business Partner
Erin, a HR Business Partner at County of Ventura, thrives on the "communication aspect" of her role, leveraging her communication degree to effectively interact with the public and ensure fair competition for county positions based on the merit system. This passion for communication, honed through various strategies learned in school, is central to success in local government and a key driver of her career fulfillment.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Human Resources Industry, According To An HR Business Partner At County Of Ventura
To thrive in human resources, a dynamic field requiring continuous learning, individuals must be "willing to learn new skills," demonstrate problem-solving abilities, and embrace collaboration. Passion for the work is key, fostering the willingness to acquire necessary skills and actively listen to and learn from others.
What an HR Business Partner at County of Ventura Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Human Resources Industry
Erin, a HR Business Partner at County of Ventura, emphasizes the crucial role of questioning in a successful HR career, stating that "asking questions is going to help you get to the bottom of an issue," and even suggesting that "if you're not asking questions at work, you might not be doing your job right." This proactive approach, including seeking clarification and understanding client needs ("what are you hoping to get out of that?"), is key to career advancement in the field.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Human Resources Professionals
Erin, a County of Ventura HR Business Partner, suggests that undergraduates seeking entry-level HR positions should prioritize finding "a support role, maybe as an administrative assistant," within their desired organization. This approach allows aspiring HR professionals to "get their feet wet" and learn organizational functions before tackling complex HR tasks, building valuable foundational skills and relationships "from the ground up."
Significant Career Lesson From an HR Business Partner at County of Ventura
Erin, a HR Business Partner, emphasizes the significant value of learning from leaders and mentors throughout one's career journey, stating that "knowledge is power, knowledge is wealth". This approach, honed through utilizing university career services and proactively engaging with professors, helped Erin develop crucial skills applicable to their current role, such as communication and storytelling, highlighting the importance of "learning from the people that have gotten before you".
College Experiences That Helped an HR Business Partner at County of Ventura Succeed
Erin's undergraduate experience at Cal Lutheran University significantly shaped their career, highlighting the importance of diverse involvement beyond academics; working in the student newspaper and food service built crucial people skills and transferable work concepts, while participation in campus clubs and activities, even with multiple major changes, fostered professional development and community engagement, demonstrating that "getting involved" is key to building necessary skills for the professional workforce.
How Identity Has Influenced an HR Business Partner at County of Ventura's Career
Erin, a young woman working as an HR Business Partner, emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, stating, "I know what I'm talking about," and the value of diverse perspectives in the workplace, advocating for young women to "keep pushing forward" despite potential challenges. The County of Ventura's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion provides a supportive environment for this career journey.
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