SHRM’s Best Advice for Brand-New HR Professionals

So, you’re the new emerging HR professional in line for the water cooler — or maybe you just finished carefully signing your offer letter as neatly as a track pad allows. Welcome to the HR suite! We’re so happy you’re here.  

As you begin your career, you’ll need to use your time wisely and develop the right mindset to get the most out of your first HR job. Here are some savvy tips to help you learn and grow as you navigate this dynamic time in your career.  

Champion Your Professional Network

Your college advisor loved this word, and maybe you’re tired of hearing it. Regardless, networking truly matters! Making valuable connections is key to learning from your peers and gaining the opportunity to be part of new and exciting projects.  

The workplace brings people with varying perspectives and skills together. By meeting as many colleagues as possible, you will gain valuable insights about the industry from someone who was once an emerging HR professional themselves.

Networking “helps you become a better, more strategic HR pro,” said Claire Stroh, SHRM-CP, founder of career coaching firm Claire is Coaching, member of the SHRM Foundation Mentorship Program, and former member of the SHRM Emerging Professionals Advisory Council (EPAC). “It helps you become more visible in the organization and gain a mentor.” 

Perhaps you think that working in total rewards is fun and all, but feel you were made for talent acquisition. Networking with someone who manages projects you’d like to be a part of might also be the ticket to unlocking more variety in your HR experience.  

“We all entered our specialties in different ways, and it’s often because someone talked to us about it or tapped us on our shoulder” and asked us to get involved, Stroh said. “Ask your colleagues about what projects they have worked on during their careers and what sorts of experience they gained from that.”

Fear not: Networking doesn’t have to be a formal or stressful experience. Choose a colleague you look up to and invite them on a 20-minute coffee shop trip. This is a perfect opportunity for caffeine-related small talk, followed by a question or two about how they learned and grew as a new HR professional. Even a conversation as short as this could give you the knowledge you need to move a step closer to accomplishing your career goals. 

“You have to push yourself, and it can be uncomfortable to be proactive in this way,” Stroh said. “However, it helps you get your job done and builds rapport.”  

Members-Only Resource: Networking Know-How

Kick Imposter Syndrome Out 

Wait a minute — this is a negativity-free zone. Those self-doubting thoughts are not welcome here! Imposter syndrome refers to feelings of unworthiness and incompetence, regardless of the merit you’ve demonstrated.  

About 1 in 3 U.S. workers reported that they have moments of doubt regarding their professional skills, per the Survey Center on American Life. This phenomenon is even more common among Gen Z workers: 78% reported experiencing imposter syndrome in the last year, according to a 2024 study from Asana.

To overcome self-doubt as an emerging HR professional, start by separating the things you can control from those that you cannot, Stroh recommended. Rather than focusing on the difficulties of being new to the industry, surround yourself with strong role models and take advantage of opportunities to acquire new skills. 

“You can’t control that you graduated from college last year or that you only have one year of experience,” Stroh said. “What you can do is take action. Surround yourself with a strong network, both professionally and personally. Focus on your professional development. These things create a strong toolkit for countering that doubt.”

Member Resource: Overcoming Careerlong Imposter Syndrome Challenges 

Own Your Seat in the Meeting Room

You are most visible to your peers during meetings, so that time is an excellent opportunity to share your unique outlook and contribute to organizational priorities. However, many emerging professionals shy away from being active and vocal in meetings. About 38% of Gen Z professionals are uncomfortable being asked to share their opinion during meetings without warning, according to a study by Kahoot! released in 2023. 

You might be new here, but make no mistake: You were given the Zoom passcode for a reason. Remember that you earned a seat at this table through your experience and fresh perspective.

Internal networking provides a solid foundation for getting more comfortable in meetings, according to Stroh.  

“Having those networking conversations can help with the confidence to do this,” she said. “You might come to the meeting and see people you know, and they will be more likely to back up your idea. Having allies in the organization makes it easier to speak up.”

Curiosity, demonstrated through active listening, is also important in gaining the courage to share your thoughts as an emerging HR professional, Stroh said. Learn more about how your team functions and its current objectives by asking questions. If you stay informed, you will have the context you need to be a strong contributor in the conference room. 

“Listen to your peers, and don’t assume anything,” Stroh said. “Catch yourself and ask a question instead of relying on an assumption. A great way to add to the discussion is by asking thoughtful questions, rather than inserting an opinion.  

Members-Only Resource: Making Your Meetings Productive

Moving Forward with Confidence and Accountability 

As an industry newcomer, building up a sense of courage — whether to network, rise above self-doubt, or be a strong, active contributor on the conference call — is never easy. Nevertheless, by remaining committed to your growth and owning your place in the industry, you might just find yourself closer to realizing your HR ambitions than you were before.