Lynn Haley and Candace Morgan, two Human Resources (HR) instructors in UNB’s Faculty of Business Administration, were swamped with requests last year from students wanting to be more ‘networked’ and informed about the HR opportunities available in the region upon graduation.

Looking to fulfill this student need, the pair brainstormed ways in which they could play a larger role in connecting their students with the business community.

Haley and Morgan invited students, both BBA and MBA, who were honouring or concentrating their studies in HR, or who were simply interested in a career in HR to an information session on forming an HR student group. The student interest was obvious, and Haley and Morgan had the passion and contacts to get an HR student group off the ground.

An informal student group was established for the 2007/2008 academic year, composed of BBA and MBA students, as well as recent alumni.

Morgan, an executive member of the Human Resources Association of New Brunswick (HRANB), Fredericton chapter, organized an information session for the students on the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation, the highest level of qualification in human resources management in Canada. The positive response from students led Morgan to set up a study group for three students who were writing their CHRP examination upon graduation. All three students - Stephanie O'Donnell, Laura Campbell, and David Goodland - made passing grades.

At the start of the current academic year, the Human Resources Student Association (HRSA) became an official student club at UNB. The HRSA’s inaugural meeting took place on October 7th, naming Lynn MacKinnon (President), Kendra Leary (Vice President) and Scott Elvin (Treasurer) to the executive. The HRSA now has 43 members.

Championed by both Haley and Morgan as Faculty Coordinators, the two see the HRSA as being a successful student-driven group in the years to come.

“It is critical for students to be aware of the different careers within the HR profession,” explains Morgan. “The HRSA will give students the opportunity to be exposed to the business community before graduation through information sessions by HR professionals as well as valuable networking opportunities.”

Morgan held a networking session for the HRSA members in preparation for upcoming events.

The HRSA has already participated in two important networking opportunities – a Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Priority Personnel Inc. and an HRANB Breakfast Session with keynote speaker Darren Sears, Vice President of Operations for Fundy Group.

Through the events held by the HRSA, students’ connections with the business community may see them acquire HR internships and Co-op placements.

“Networks are so important,” agrees Haley. “Students need mentorship opportunities with professionals and the HRSA will help make these links.”

“Connecting students with those working in the industry is a win-win situation,” says Morgan. “It’s also important for students to see the practical side of HR, to complement the theoretical learning they get in the classroom,” she adds.

This year, the HRSA will offer study sessions for the CHRP designation, information sessions with guest speakers from the business community, and networking events.

The HRSA is open to students as well as to alumni and members of the business community who work in HR and are interested in sharing their experience and knowledge with its student members. Those interested in joining or becoming involved with the HRSA can contact hrsa@unb.ca