Entering the workforce right out of school can be nerve-wracking and overwhelming. However, taking advantage of every resource can help position current students and new graduates for success.
Students interested in pursuing HR as a career path and preparing to enter the workplace will have a unique opportunity to get firsthand insights on how to advance their career at the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2024 (SHRM24). Taking place in Chicago and virtually from June 23 to 26, this immersive event offers tracks for every career stage, including sessions designed exclusively for those just getting started. Student attendees can also experience exclusive opportunities to engage with mentors, industry professionals, and potential employers.
Check out some of the student-specific sessions below and register to attend in person or virtually. All times are Central time.
[Don’t have a SHRM student membership? Join now for just $49 a year!]
Sunday, June 23
Student Welcome Reception
In person
When: 1:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Join other student attendees for a student welcome reception, complete with sweet treats, to prepare for an exciting three days of learning and networking.
Monday, June 24
All the Feels: Effectively Leveraging Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
In person
When: 8 a.m.-8:20 a.m.
Presenter: Kevin England, founder and CEO of Infinito Associates
This session will teach participants about emotional intelligence (EI) and how to apply EI concepts to their everyday interactions to help develop stronger relationships and a more inclusive workplace.
Becoming a Champion of Your Workforce Panel Discussion
In person
When: 11 a.m.-noon
Emerging professionals will engage in a panel discussion about how they made the transition from college to their careers in HR.
Pathways and Perspectives: Journey to HR Leadership
In person and virtual
When: 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Presenters: Katrina Thornton, senior executive for HR and diversity, equity, and inclusion at Taco Bell; Karen Bennett, executive vice president and chief people officer at Cox Communications; and Tracy Layney, executive vice president and CHRO at Levi Strauss & Co.
Students will hear from a panel of HR executives about their journeys to becoming CHROs, moderated by Daniel Horgan, CEO of CoLabL.
Profiles in Mental Health Courage: A Discussion of Mental Health and Addiction Today
In person
When: 11:30 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
Presenter: Patrick J. Kennedy, former U.S. representative
Patrick J. Kennedy will discuss his new book, Profiles in Mental Health Courage, which portrays the dramatic journeys of people who have struggled with mental health and addiction. Hearing these stories will help employers build action and empathy to face the crisis of addiction and poor mental health in workplaces.
Tuesday, June 25
Banish Burnout: Move from Stress to Success
In person and virtual
When: 11 a.m.-noon
Presenter: Janice Litvin, workplace wellness speaker at Janice Litvin Speaks
Janice Litvin will showcase to students and professionals how to properly handle stress to prevent burnout in the workplace. Participants will walk away from the session with specific tools that they can start implementing immediately to build awareness of stress and burnout and turn negative thoughts into positive ones.
Impacting Workplace Culture with Jim Link
In person
When: 1 p.m.-2 p.m.
SHRM CHRO Jim Link will host a session in the Student Union about how your future in HR can help shape the workplaces that you are a part of for the better.
Getting What You Want at Work: How and When to Speak Up
In person
When: 2:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Presenter: Shari Harley, founder and president of Candid Culture
On SHRM’s first-ever Wellness Stage, attendees will learn how to advocate for themselves in the workplace. Early-career professionals might feel intimidated by the thought of advocating for themselves. Gain confidence with these tips.
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