Michael is a Manager of Human Resources at a national transportation and logistics company and has been working in the HR profession for 14 years.
“HR is a very fulfilling career for those who are business minded but also enjoy the challenges of dealing and interacting with people from different walks of life,” says Michael, who has a post-graduate certificate in Human Resource Management and has achieved a CHRP designation with the Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA) of Ontario. “The job requires people skills, effective communication, problem solving, diplomacy, and an ability to handle multiple priorities.”
Upon graduating from U of T and completing a 1-year post-graduate program, Michael initially found work by responding to newspaper advertisements, mass resume "fax-outs," and exploring co-op opportunities. “Times have changed and online applications and e-mails have replaced newspaper ads and faxes, but the same concept would apply.” Michael also strongly recommends graduates to explore business and career networking websites like Linked In.
A member of the Toronto West Chapter of the Human Resource Professionals Association of Ontario, Michael says he probably wouldn't do anything differently knowing what he knows today.
“I picked a field that I enjoy,” says Michael. “I think it's important to build on your BA and pursue a post-graduate certificate or diploma in one of the many career-specific fields out there. For those seeking a career in Human Resources, I would strongly recommend completing an undergraduate degree prior to enrolling in an HR program. In fact, having a degree is now becoming compulsory to obtaining an HR designation.”
While at UTM, Michael was involved as a Director at Radio Erindale, campus student clubs, and his summer jobs helped shape his interest in Human Resource Management.
“My volunteer writing at the Medium, the UTM campus newspaper, sustained my interest in public policy, which directly relates to employment and business issues. My courses of study, especially labour relations, psychology and political science also contributed to my interest,” says Michael.