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.
Communication, Teamwork, Career Exploration, Overcoming Challenges, Networking
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
Government & Public Sector
Human Resources (HR)
Video Highlights
1. Participate in extracurricular activities: Involvement in campus life, such as student government, clubs, or sports, helps build valuable professional skills and allows you to explore different fields.
2. Gain work experience: Even part-time jobs, like food service, can teach valuable skills applicable to various careers, such as customer service and communication.
3. Embrace diverse experiences: Don't be afraid to explore different interests and change your major if needed. Trying new things in college can broaden your skill set and help you find your career path.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I was fortunate to attend Cal Lutheran University and have a variety of opportunities available to me. I worked in the student newspaper for a while, and learning how to write articles and getting involved in that sphere really set me up for success.
Attending class is excellent. You have to attend class, pay attention, and study. Working part-time was also important. I worked in food service on and off campus, building people skills and learning about tasks like using a cash register and talking to customers.
These are all skills you need to build on. Although I don't use a cash register now, I still apply concepts from those jobs to this day, especially in my customer service role.
Throughout undergrad, the thing that benefited me the most, aside from studying and going to class, was getting involved. I know people hear this all the time: "Get involved." I say the same thing.
If you're living on campus, get involved with your RAs and planning events. If there's a club you're passionate about, whether it's student government, a history club, or a sport, get involved and embed yourself in that community.
At Cal Lutheran, we had campus ministry. Getting involved there, if it's your area of passion, is a good idea. We also had many cultural clubs. Get involved in those things. Our community has so many different areas to plug into and learn more about how to be a professional and serve your community better.
Wherever your passion lies, even if you don't know it yet, that's okay. Get involved and try something. This is a big part of your educational journey: trying new things to see if they're a fit for you.
I changed my major six or seven times throughout college while trying to find where I wanted to plug myself in. Just getting involved in so many different fields of study has benefited my career today. I encourage everyone to get involved on campus.
Your school has likely told you, and your family or friends have probably told you, but you should get involved in something on campus and embrace it. Once you finish school and get a job, all the skills you learn by getting involved, no matter what your passion is, will be valuable. I guarantee your school has opportunities, and if not, start something yourself.
If you get involved, you will build all the skills you need in the professional workforce. So get involved. I know everyone says it, but get involved.