Human Resources professionals and business managers across the region are invited to the annual networking conference hosted by the Four Rivers Society for Human Resource Managers August 28 in Paducah. On Sounds Good, Kate Lochte speaks with Teri Ray, Lecturer in The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business at Murray State about the event, about why networking is helpful for HR professionals and some tips on working in the field.
The Four Rivers Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) is a professional organization for those in business dealing with human resources, partnered with national and international SHRM organization. There are approximately 100 professionals in the region as members, using each others' knowledge to better understand needs in human resources, Ray says.
The conference, titled "HR 2.0 Empower, Transform and Lead" is now in its 13th year, will be held in the Murray State University Paducah campus building from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Topics include finding ways to work better with others, recruiting and hiring. Ray says it's also a way to network with others involved in human resources in the region. It's free for members of the Four Rivers SHRM, a $60 charge for other SHRM members and $75 for non-members.
"Professionally, it has meant the world: when you are in the profession of human resources or you're just a business manager that deals day to day with those HR issues in your office, having a network behind you that you can call upon, that you can email, that you can meet for dinner and talk about those issues that are going on... and having the 'professional ed' opportunities of hearing others from outside of our little region tell us what they are going through and how they've solved their problems."
Ray cites advice from a mentor: "HR is 90% gut and 10% knowledge." Since there are so many laws and regulations involving employees - how they are treated while employed and once they leave, she says the percentage might be different now. Having a high emotional IQ is important, she says, when it comes to understanding how to work with people.
More information on the Four Rivers SHRM websiteor email tray@murraystate.edu
