What tips do you have for new grads or those in entry-level
HR jobs who want to move up the ladder?
JK: I think you have to be open-minded. You have to be willing
to take on anything to gain experience and exposure in the field.
When you’re in school, they teach you textbook examples and
you need to be able to adjust the different structures and strate-gies
because every organization is different. You have to be able
to manage in the “grey” and be okay with it.
The HR field has been evolving. What
changes excite you the most?
JK: Personally, I’ve been involved with the Human Resources
Professionals Association (HRPA) over the last couple of years,
hr influencers
working with them on some of the changes surrounding HR
credentials and the new employment law exam. I’m excited
about the added rigour around credentials in the HR field. I
think it’s really important and will make the entire profession
more respected and recognized.
What’s the future of HR?
JK: In Ontario, the proposed changes to employment standards
and labour laws will be huge. You really have to stay on top of
these things as an HR professional so you can understand how
to apply compliance to your business so you’re not at risk. I also
see a generational shift as Baby Boomers retire and Millennials
become more prevalent. As a company, we have to shift our
thinking to adapt. n
“YOU HAVE TO BE
WILLING TO TAKE ON
ANYTHING TO GAIN
EXPERIENCE AND
EXPOSURE IN THE FIELD.”
– JENNIFER KING
IN A NUTSHELL
First job: I was 14 and worked for a
senior citizens’ home after school
and on weekends, doing general
housekeeping.
Childhood ambition: I was in gymnas-tics
from age six to 16. I wanted to be
a professional gymnast and go to the
Olympics.
Best boss and why: My best boss was
Alex Gallacher, who was my very first
boss. He really shaped me and pushed
me out of my comfort zone. It made me
a better practitioner and helped set me
up for success.
Current source of inspiration: That
would definitely be my travelling and
cycling around the world. Since 2014,
I’ve been going on yearly cycling trips
all over Europe. I’m looking at Croatia
or Ireland next.
Best piece of advice ever received:
Push yourself and do something that
scares you, because that’s when you
learn the most.
Favourite music: I like a broad range of
music, but I really love ‘80s music and
classical.
Last book read: Me Before You by JoJo
Moyes.
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