Industry & Insights - Michelle Stepek on SHRM Prep and Campus Recruiting

Summary

In this insightful interview, Jay Krueger of Walsh College speaks with Michelle Steppic, Talent Acquisition Manager at Doran Mayhew, about her experiences with the Sherm prep class and its impact on her HR career. Michelle shares her journey of passing the Sherm exam, which certifies her in human resource management, and discusses the benefits of the certification for her professional development. Additionally, she provides valuable insights into campus recruiting, the qualities sought in candidates, and the importance of networking and follow-up in the job application process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michelle Steppic is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Doran Mayhew, focusing on campus recruiting and onboarding new hires.
• 🏢 Doran Mayhew is a midsize CPA and advisory firm specializing in public accounting services, looking for accounting majors and finance students for internships and full-time positions.
• 🎓 The company values candidates with a solid educational background, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and relevant work or leadership experience.
• 🤝 Communication skills and preparation are crucial for students at career fairs, including having questions and following up on LinkedIn.
• 🔎 Students should research the company before attending career fairs, showing interest in Doran Mayhew's culture, opportunities for advancement, and future goals.
• 🗓️ The recruitment timeline typically starts with career fairs in September, followed by first-round interviews within two weeks, and internships beginning in January.
• 📚 Michelle recently passed the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) exam, enhancing her HR knowledge and credibility.
• 📈 The SHRM exam is a comprehensive 4-hour test covering HR knowledge and situational questions, preparing HR professionals for various scenarios.
• 📚 Michelle attended a 10-week SHRM prep course, which was conducted online and helped her dissect and understand HR concepts and scenarios.
• 💼 The SHRM certification benefits Michelle's career by providing a well-rounded understanding of HR beyond her focus on talent acquisition and recruitment.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the discussion between Jay Krueger and Michelle Steppic?

The main topics are the SHRM prep class and Michelle's experience in HR, particularly with campus recruiting at Walsh College.

What is Michelle Steppic's role at Doran Mayhew?

Michelle Steppic is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Doran Mayhew.

What services does Doran Mayhew provide?

Doran Mayhew is a midsize CPA and advisory firm that provides various public accounting services, including audit, tax, and advisory.

What qualities does Doran Mayhew look for in students during campus recruiting?

Doran Mayhew looks for students majoring in accounting, with an interest in obtaining their CPA, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and some type of work or leadership experience.

How does Michelle suggest students follow up after meeting recruiters at a career fair?

Michelle suggests that students follow up by sending a message on LinkedIn, mentioning where they met and expressing their interest in staying connected or inquiring about opportunities.

What are some good questions for students to ask recruiters to stand out?

Students can ask about the company's culture, opportunities for advancement beyond an internship, and the company's goals and future direction.

What is the timeline for Doran Mayhew's recruitment process after a career fair?

After a career fair, interviews typically happen within the first two weeks, starting with a first-round interview with Michelle, followed by second-round interviews at the Troy location, and then a decision on an offer.

What is the SHRM exam, and why is it important in the HR field?

The SHRM exam, offered by the Society of Human Resource Management, is a certification that enhances credibility and knowledge in HR, covering various topics like benefits, compensation, and labor laws.

What was Michelle's experience with the SHRM prep class at Walsh College?

Michelle found the SHRM prep class at Walsh College very helpful. It was a 10-week online course that covered the material and practice questions, which prepared her well for the 4-hour exam.

How does the SHRM certification benefit Michelle's career?

The SHRM certification provides a thorough understanding of various HR aspects, making Michelle a well-rounded HR professional. It also opens opportunities for further career advancement beyond her current role in talent acquisition.