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.
Communication, Problem-Solving, Asking Questions, Career Development, Workplace Challenges
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. Asking questions is crucial for success in HR and any career. Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions or seek help; it shows initiative and helps you understand the situation better.
2. Proactively seeking mentorship and one-on-one time with supervisors is important for skill development and career advancement.
3. Understanding the needs and perspectives of the people you serve is key to effective HR work. Ask them what they hope to achieve to better understand their needs and tailor your solutions effectively.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I love this question. I think one of the things that I wish someone would have told me is that it helps to ask questions and to know what questions to ask.
As young people enter the workforce, they might wonder if they should ask a question, fearing they'll be perceived as not knowing what they're doing. You need to erase that school of thought and realize it's good to ask questions.
Asking questions will help you get to the bottom of an issue. Or, if there isn't an issue, it can make something even better than it was going to be before. If you're not asking questions at work, you might not be doing your job right.
You want to make sure you're asking questions, even if it's something small and you've tried to solve it yourself, and you don't really know which direction to go in. Simply opening up and asking that question will take you very far in your career, in human resources or any other field.
You want to be able to ask questions and get answers. By initiating a conversation, saying, "Hey, maybe I could use some one-on-one time," or working with your supervisor to learn new skills, or even asking the person you're serving, "If you could change the situation, what are you hoping to get out of that?" You want to make sure you're asking questions because if you're not, you might not be doing your job right.