Snagging the job she wanted
Grad program networking connects Emily Tyo to new role
- Grad program: Human Resource Leadership
- Timeline: As a part-time student, she'll complete the degree in 24 months.
- Job: Human resources systems administrator, Baldwin Richardson Foods Co.
When Emily Tyo was looking to advance as a human resources professional, networking in her master’s degree program came in handy.
“One of my classes, Leading Change, attended a (Nazareth) HR advisory group event at Constellation Brands. We met leaders — VPs, chief officers — of big companies.” One was the chief talent officer at Baldwin Richardson Foods Co., where Tyo applied for an HR job.
The day after Tyo alerted her new contact that she had applied to work at the custom ingredients manufacturer, Tyo got a job interview — and soon was hired, part-way through her graduate program. “A lot of employers like that someone is learning still — and actively wants to learn,” says Tyo.
Full-time work and two classes each semester — held nights/weekends or asynchronously online — leave little free time, but there’s a synergy, she says: “I’m able to apply what I’m doing in class at work.” For example, she learned about analytical tools for talent management and tracking, coding software, and a useful toolkit for providing appropriate and legally compliant job accommodations for employees. “Every benefits manager I’ve shown it to loves it.”
With two semesters left, Tyo says her grad program supports her goal of moving into a manager or director role. “I want to lead a team,” she said. She hopes her work makes the workplace a positive, happy place where employees can be themselves.
