Hannah Bickes, December 2022 Graduate
Workforce Planning Coordinator, Memorial Health
Q: What has been your favorite class in LER and why?
A: I think everyone should take Workforce Analytics with Professor Walsh! Analytics is so prevalent in every facet of HR today and the decisions I’ve made in my work have been much more comprehensive thanks to what I learned in this course.
Q: What about the online MHRIR program has added the most value to you and your career?
A: The best part of this program has been getting to hear from a variety of professionals. The students in my cohort come from all walks of life and a variety of organizations, which has been incredible for expanding my own worldview.
Q: What skill do you feel is most important to develop for your profession?
A: The skill that has been most important in my career is the ability to have a tough conversation in a compassionate manner. No matter what area of HR you go into, tough conversations are going to happen, and you need to know how to get through those smoothly, whether it be talking with an employee about disciplinary action, or even just questioning a current process.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish upon completion of the online MHRIR program?
A: I started this program in 2020 with the intention of transitioning to another area of HR. I had been in talent acquisition for four years at that point and while I enjoyed it, I was ready to move on. I’m happy to report that in September, I transitioned to Workforce Strategy in my organization. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do that had it not been for this program. My goal after graduation is to continue to use the skills I’ve learned in this program to help create and implement strategies that drive down the use of contingent labor in my organization.