By : Nevaeh Destynee Burkes
Staff Writer
The newly recognized student organization aims to connect students with HR
professionals, potential internships and mentors through networking
opportunities.
Finding a career path isn’t always easy, but Wingate University’s Society for
Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapter wants to help students explore
their options through networking opportunities that could lead to internships
and professional connections.
Recently recognized as a RSO this academic year, the chapter began as an
unofficial club last year. Now affiliated with the national Society for Human
Resource Management, the organization has 20 members, including eight
executive board members, according to chapter President Elizabeth
Muñoz-Guzman.
SHRM focuses on helping students make connections with human resources
professionals while exploring different career paths, whether within HR or in other
fields. Through these connections, students may find potential internship
opportunities, professional mentors and guidance as they prepare for life after
graduation.
“We strive to provide the perspective of making connections with HR professionals
and the HR world,” Muñoz-Guzman said.
The chapter also encourages students to consider how their academic
backgrounds can translate into different professional opportunities. Whether
students are interested in pursuing careers in human resources or exploring
other fields, SHRM aims to help them connect with professionals who can offer
insight and guidance.
“For example, if you are a nursing major or a psychology major or even a bio
major that joined our club, and you’re wondering how our chapter would benefit
you, we can get you connected with the HR professionals of those fields to get you
on the right path of success, while also helping students discover career options
they might not have considered,” Muñoz-Guzman said.
“We are open to all majors, not just business majors,” she added.
Members have also had opportunities to learn about the profession outside the
classroom. Muñoz-Guzman discussed attending the annual North Carolina SHRM conference in Wilmington, where participants explored topics including payroll,
workplace experiences and managing emotions in the HR industry.
The chapter’s journey to becoming an official RSO required commitment from its
members while they balanced classes, meetings and other responsibilities.
Muñoz-Guzman credited the former president with helping lead the effort to
establish the organization.
Looking ahead, SHRM hopes to bring human resources professionals to campus
to speak with students. According to Muñoz-Guzman, several professionals have
already expressed interest in participating. The chapter hopes these
conversations will introduce students to different career perspectives and
encourage more students across campus to get involved.
Beyond professional development, the organization also values giving back to the
community and creating opportunities for students to connect outside the
classroom.
As the chapter continues to establish itself at Wingate, its goal is to make
professional networking, mentorship and career exploration accessible to
students from all academic backgrounds.
