career paths
What does a typical day at
work for you look like?
CS: There is no typical day, which is what
keeps me motivated and continuously
learning. I spend a considerable amount of
time consulting to the business ensuring
that systems and information are meeting
their needs as well as developing strategies
to streamline and automate business processes
and the movement of information
between systems.
What are some of the challenges you
experience on a day-to-day basis?
CS: As with any role, there are always
challenges finding resources with the
perfect balance of human resources and
technology skills. However, the landscape
of HR systems is changing rapidly. With
the introduction of Software as a Service
(SAAS) models, the power and control
over systems reside with the users and no
longer solely within an IT department.
What skills do you possess that make
you a great fit for your position?
CS: It definitely is an asset to have analytical
problem-solving abilities, a
curiosity for learning and a passion for
customer service. My team is responsible
for user support for a number of HR
systems. Issues are typically escalated to
us after all other avenues have been exhausted.
Having these skills allows us to
understand the issue and develop workable
solutions.
What are your ultimate career goals?
CS: I definitely see myself staying in this
area. Recently, I had the opportunity to
participate in a major implementation
to replace our HRMS and payroll systems.
Our new model is changing not only
how we work in HR, but also our overall
technology strategy and how we leverage
information and resources. There are so
many more opportunities ahead to expand
how we are leveraging technology in HR.
What advice do you have for
others interested in pursuing
an HR career specializing in
information and technology?
CS: I have seen the landscape of HR technology
change over the years. Companies
are making the investments in technology
because they are seeing the benefits. A
career in HR information and technology
can open the door to many opportunities.
No longer is technology a secret world
locked behind a server room door. The
power to access information, make business
decisions and drive initiatives resides
in the hands of the user. Those who
choose a career in HR technology will be
seen as a leader and business partner in
their company.
Away from your job, what
do you like to do?
CS: I am the mother of two busy teenagers
so in my spare time I spend as much
time as I can with my family. Both my children
are involved in volunteer work and
we’ve tried to make that a family activity to
spend time together and help our community
at the same time. n
40 ❚ JULY/AUGUST 2015 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL
