Welcome to Q & A With a Pro, a blog-only exclusive brought to you by ThinkTalk.com. This series will provide questions and answer sessions with experienced professionals in a variety of different fields. Sometimes we will have questions from students, sometimes we will not. Think of it as something like the ThinkTalk Program, but more free-wheeling and with less restraints. As always, feel free to let us know your thoughts on which jobs and professions you would like profiled.

Name: Tracy Wakeman Job title: Human Resource Manager Profession: Human Resources (I have been in HR for over 6 years) Company: KSHB-TV, an EW Scripps subsidiary Employees: 180 on location Education: B.S. Management/Human Resources

Nellie Yangmi: Where can I find Human Resource Manager in a Student Handbook?

Tracy Wakeman: Business, Management or HR

NY: What classes equipped you best for this occupation?

TW: Organizational Development, Strategic Human Resources, Business Ethics, HR Management, PHR/SPHR Certification classes and study

NY: How did you get this gig?

TW: I saw the listing online and knew that a girl in my class worked at the station, so I asked her about it. She referred me to the manager. I got an interview and got hired. Networking is huge in the job search arena. Start early building a network and keep in touch with those sources.

NY: Did you ever take on more than one job to sustain yourself? What were they?

TW: Yes. At one point in my life I worked a full time job and two part time jobs. I worked as a front desk lead at a resort, worked at a grocery store and cleaned houses with a friend of mine. You do what you have to do to pay the bills and still have something to LIVE on.

NY: How many resumes did you send off before you landed an interview?

TW: I sent probably 5-10, but networking is the key. The job market was pretty good when I landed my job. Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it takes quite awhile to find the right job.

NY: What does a typical day look like?

TW: There is not a typical day. The only thing typical is that each day is not like the next. I can have my list of projects, goals, etc for the day. I am lucky to get one or two of them done. If I have to get something done, I close my door so I can concentrate and focus and so people don’t just walk in.

NY: What kind of potential employee would impress you to hire them?

TW: A candidate that is prepared and professional yet, outgoing and confident. Don’t forget you are always in SALES. Sell yourself and what you have to offer. Know you can do the job and let your interviewer know this without being egotistical. There is a balance.

Be Real!!

NY: What is the most tedious and most rewarding aspect of your work?

TW: The most tedious aspect would be making sure that we are doing the right thing when disciplining and terminating employees. There is such a fine line between doing what is right for the company and doing what is right for the company. Redundant-I know. You want to eliminate the “bad apples” (non performing employees), but do it in a legal and ethical way. If certain guidelines are not followed, you could end up getting sued.

The most rewarding would be helping people overcome obstacles that are holding them back. This may be in their jobs, in life, whatever.

NY: What type of company is more likely to hire an entry-level worker in the Human Resource field?

TW: Most companies will want their HR manager/director to have some experience (3-5 years or more), but they may hire an entry-level assistant. Some companies have huge HR departments that would hire entry level and train. Hiring into a company that has a big HR department will provide room for growth and challenge. Always look for the challenge!

NY: What career advice would you give an intern?

TW: Do multiple internships in your field of study if you can and start early! This will help determine if you actually like what you are studying. If you like it, dig in and do your very best. Ask questions and be noticed. We have hired several interns to the TV station after they have graduated, gotten some experience at a smaller market, and returned.

Internships also help you to gain networking possibilities and keep in touch with these people. Ask key people at the locations that you intern if they will help mentor you. Mentors are huge helps. They can tell you paths that they wish they had taken, so you don’t make the same mistakes. People will help if you ask. Most are thrilled that you think highly of them and would like them to help with your future. Stay positive and keep on keeping on!!