Our on-campus students have formed a Student Recruitment Board, and are happy to answer questions about their experience for you.
Welcome!! My name is Connor Milton, and I graduated from the University of Illinois in 2024 with a Degree in Recreation Sports and Tourism. I have always had a passion for working within teams and doing my part to make sure everyone around me is reaching their full potential; I just did not know in what space these skills would be best suited. After being referred to the School of Labor & Employment Relations by a number of peers and faculty, I have found just that! Since joining LER, I have continued to be impressed by the number of alumni who are willing to connect with students and the amount of passion everyone surrounding the program has. This program has put me on a path to being successful and is helping me develop into a successful Human Resources professional. Feel free to reach out to me at cmilton3@illinois.edu. I would love to further discuss the program and share my experiences at the University of Illinois!
Hi, I’m Emmy! I graduated in 2024 from Purdue University with my Bachelor’s in Human Resource Development, and have since been in the MHRIR program and have loved every second of it. Being here has solidified my passion for HR- the ability to connect with and have a positive impact on employees’ experiences. I love LER not only for the stellar education but also for the support I receive here from my peers and faculty; it is like my little home away from home. I am being pushed to grow personally and professionally each day I am here. I love to talk, so if you have any questions, please reach out. My email is esoder2@illinois.edu!
My name is Jorge Ramirez, and I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in December of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science, double majoring in Sociology and Psychology. Growing up, I witnessed my parents’ journey through the manufacturing industry, which deeply inspired me to pursue a career in Human Resources. Their experiences ignited a passion in me to create environments where everyone feels valued and included. I chose the MHRIR program at LER because of the incredible community and the unmatched level of alumni support. The strength of this program lies in its supportive culture, reflected in both the staff and students. Everyone at LER genuinely wants to see each other succeed and is more than willing to help in any way they can. This sense of camaraderie, combined with the numerous opportunities for professional growth, has made my time here truly invaluable. Feel free to reach out to me at jorgear4@illinois.edu with any questions!
My name is Mahima Aherkar, and I’m from India. I graduated from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance. Choosing LER was single-handedly the best decision of my life—I’m reminded of it every day by my amazing peers, faculty, and staff. With close to three years in recruitment and talent management, I’ve worked with leaders across industries to build cohesive teams and shape positive workplace cultures. Now, at LER, I’m thrilled to expand my HR expertise and connect with an inspiring global alumni network. As an international student, I understand the challenges and uncertainties that can come with starting this new chapter. So, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I’m here to help you navigate this process and make it a little less daunting. I’d love to connect and support you however I can! 🙂 aherkar2@illinois.edu
Hello there! My name is Molly Buesing, and I graduated from Ball State University in May 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, along with minors in Interpersonal Relations and Sociology. I first became passionate about human resources during an internship in my final semester of undergrad, which transitioned into a full-time role there. During my year before joining LER, I realized I wanted to continue developing as a professional, which led me to pursue a Master’s in HR. That’s when I discovered LER! LER has provided me with invaluable skills, an incredible alumni network, and the opportunity to be part of a community that values academic and professional growth, inclusivity, and student success. Through LER, I’ve made meaningful professional connections and lasting friendships! I can confidently say that choosing LER has been the best decision I’ve made for both my personal and professional growth. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have about life at LER! 😊 buesing5@illinois.edu
Hello, my name is Nicole Brandt! I graduated in May 2024 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s degree in IO Psychology, along with minors in Business, Communication, and Leadership Studies. Over the past 3.5 years, I’ve built a solid foundation in Human Resources, with experience in recruitment, talent management, and talent integration. In my pursuit of continuous growth, I decided to expand my HR expertise by enrolling in the Masters in Human Resources and Industrial Relations program to deepen my HR knowledge and broaden my professional perspective. The program offers a perfect blend of academic insight and practical experience, allowing me to develop a more strategic approach to HR challenges. The skills and concepts I gained have been crucial in enhancing my ability to think critically and drive organizational success. LER has not only broadened my professional skill set but has also pushed me to grow personally by improving my leadership abilities and fostering a network of like-minded individuals. I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my career journey. Please feel free to reach out to me at nbrand9@illinois.edu with any questions or to connect!
Hi! My name is Neenah Williams, and I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in May 2024 with a degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a minor in Leadership Studies. As a Latina and Champaign-Urbana native, I am proud to be an ambassador of this program. Coming from a background with limited business exposure and no direct family ties to the corporate world, I entered the MHRIR program guided mainly by my studies. Yet, through my journey at LER, I’ve come to see that many of my personal and customer service experiences have instilled qualities essential to strong HR leadership. LER has deepened my passion for helping others uncover their potential, empowering them to make the most of their experiences here. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such intelligent, introspective, and compassionate peers who constantly inspire me. If you’re curious about HR, unsure where to start like I once was, or want to know more about LER, please feel free to reach out! There’s real power in community, and I’m here to support you on your journey. Let’s connect—send me an email at nwilli47@illinois.edu.
Hey there, my name is Vu Nguyen, I graduated earlier in May 2024 here at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s in Organizational Psychology and a minor in Leadership Studies. A study that combined understanding people in the work environment. Finishing my undergraduate career, I still felt like something was missing regarding what I wanted to learn especially on the business front of things. I was introduced to the MHRIR program through a couple of current students/alumni and I saw what the program has done for them and how they’ve grown. I was nervous at first but after attending an informational event and scheduling a shadow session to learn more about the program, I knew it was a place that I would love to be a part of. Looking back I’m glad I took a chance. Now, I can proudly say that I’ve learned so much within my first semester, met so many wonderful connections with students and staff, and overall got real-world insight into the world of Human Resources. If you are curious about anything both for LER or overall about getting into HR don’t hesitate to contact my email at vun2@illinois.edu.
Hi! My name is Zada Baker, and I’m from a small town in Illinois. I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2024 with a Bachelor’s in Economics and minors in Business and Informatics. My passion for HR started in an on-campus role where I coordinated tasks like mentoring, onboarding, and training, which opened my eyes to how rewarding it is to support and develop teams. This experience inspired me to pursue the MHRIR program at LER, where I was drawn to the program’s hands-on learning, expert faculty, and strong professional network. Since joining, I’ve felt genuinely supported by professors, staff, and classmates, making it an incredible community to grow within. Every day, I am grateful for the opportunities here that are helping me develop as an HR professional. I’m excited for what’s ahead! Feel free to reach out anytime at zbake2@illinois.edu—I’d love to connect! 😊
Hi! My name is Zainab Yusuff-Akinbo. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2023 with a degree in Speech and Hearing Science. I loved studying Speech and Hearing Science because it focused on human connection and helping people communicate. But over time, I realized I wanted to make a difference in those same areas on a larger scale—within organizations and teams. That’s what led me to pursue my Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations at LER. It’s been an incredible journey so far, giving me the chance to bring that passion for communication and empathy into the workplace, meet inspiring people, and grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’d love to chat with anyone interested in making a career change or diving into HR. Feel free to reach out at zyusuf2@illinois.edu—I’d be happy to connect!
