Newswire

Inside HR: What is an HR Business Partner?

By Georgette Cartagena, SHRM-CP

On July 16, 2024, HR Florida State Council kicked off the first of its “Inside HR: Summer Series” with the topic of “What is an HR Business Partner?”

This series is designed for new or transitioning HR professionals to gain a deeper understanding of career paths available within the umbrella of Human Resources. This panel discussion featured HR professionals from various backgrounds including Jehane Myers, Regional HR Business Partner, Jessica Holloman, Vice President, Corporate Enablement and HR Business Partner, and Zoraida Perez, Manager of HR Policy and Compliance.

The panelists discussed what initially drew them to the HRBP career path and how their experience has evolved since then. They also share what they believe are the top three skills essential for success as an HRBP, which include establishing relationships with key stakeholders, business acumen, and courage.

Key points included:

• HRBPs act as a bridge between the HR department and the business.
• HRBPs are strategic partners who focus on value creation.
• HRBPs need to have expertise in multiple areas, including human capital, leadership, organizational effectiveness, and change management.
• HRBPs need to be able to build relationships, understand the business, and influence business decisions.
• HRBPs need to be data-driven and able to tell a story with data.
• HRBPs need to be passionate about their work and excited about what they do.
  

The panelists also took audience questions where the number one question was around career advice. The following was highlighted:

• Networking with your local SHRM chapter and other business or industry organizations (Chamber, etc.)
• Shadowing your business function leaders within your organization to ensure you truly understand how they operate, what processes/experiences are important to them
• Make a friend in Finance to explain to you how the business makes money
• Utilize volunteer opportunities to highlight and develop your skills
  

Stay tuned for more InsideHR sessions covering the many disciplines in our profession. You can check out the full replay of the session here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CeitX9-TBU

Georgette Cartagena, SHRM-CP serves as Emerging Professionals Director for the HR Florida State Council. Georgette can be reached at [email protected]