Written by Business Administration student Melissa Kirakossian, president of the Guelph-Humber Human Resources Society
Perhaps the most rewarding outcome of these roles was how they helped me stand out when pursuing my first HR job." — Melissa Kirakossian
As a Business student at the University of Guelph-Humber, when I first became a student ambassador for the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), I wanted to gain more experience to elevate my professional HR profile. I expected it to be a simple volunteer role focused mainly on promoting events and sharing information with other students. The experience has turned out to be far more meaningful than I initially imagined.
I decided to apply for the position because I wanted to become more involved in the HR community while still in university, and I thought a great way to do that would be through this professional association. I knew I would get many meaningful opportunities, as just a month before this, I had the chance to attend the HR Leader’s Summit with our U of GH Business associate head. It was a great two-day learning conference, hosted by HRPA, designed for senior HR professionals’ educational development. I felt incredibly lucky to have attended this event, and it taught me a lot about what designations are meant to do in one’s professional journey. I saw the ambassador role as an opportunity to connect with professionals, learn more about the field, and encourage other students to explore HR as a career path. The application process itself was exciting because it made me realize that I could contribute to a larger professional community even before officially entering the workforce.
One of the most valuable aspects of being an HRPA student ambassador has been the chance to represent the organization on campus and represent Guelph-Humber in the organization. My position helps bridge the gap between students and the HRPA. Sharing resources, promoting events, and encouraging students to attend networking opportunities has shown me how important communication and engagement are in HR. This is about building relationships and helping people feel connected to opportunities that support their growth. This experience also allows me to connect to a younger audience still in high school to discuss a potential career in HR and help guide them in their early decisions.
This experience constantly reminds me how supportive and collaborative the profession can be. I’ve seen how professionals are willing to mentor students, share advice, and help guide the next generation of HR professionals. Since last year, I also took on the role of president of the Guelph-Humber Human Resources Society. What started as two leadership opportunities quickly became some of the most valuable experiences in my early HR journey. Perhaps the most rewarding outcome of these roles was how they helped me stand out when pursuing my first HR job. Employers often look for candidates who demonstrate initiative and a genuine commitment to the profession. Being actively involved with HRPA and leading the HR Society allowed me to show that my interest in HR extended beyond academics. These experiences ultimately helped me secure my first role in human resources, proving that engagement and initiative can open doors early in your career.
Looking back, volunteering as an HRPA student ambassador has been more than just a campus role. It has given me a clearer understanding of the HR profession and reinforced why I chose this career path in the first place.
Written by Business Administration student Melissa Kirakossian, president of the Guelph-Humber Human Resources Society
