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MSU Prepares Students for Success

MSU Prepares Students for Success
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By WestKyStar and MSU Staff
Jul. 16, 2016 | MURRAY, KY
By WestKyStar and MSU Staff Jul. 16, 2016 | 09:33 AM | MURRAY, KY
The Human Resource Management track within Murray State University’s Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business prepares students for success in the classroom and beyond graduation. In fact, the program boasts an 87.5% pass rate on the National Assurance of Learning Assessment (AOL), compared to a national average of 62% as publicized by the Society for Human Resources Management.
The industry exam covers the information an HR professional needs to know to succeed in an entry-level position. Murray State’s HR Management faculty encourage graduating seniors to take the assessment to get a step ahead in the field.
Though the assessment does not provide a certification, “it is however a third-party evaluation of student qualifications that can be an indicator of the strength of an HR program, which is essential under the AACSB guidelines for a business school to maintain its accreditation,” said Sandy Miles, Professor of Human Resource Management.
"This exam is not mandatory to enter the HR profession, but it does distinguish recent graduates who are pursuing HR jobs that they do indeed have the required knowledge,” added Miles.
One such graduate is Liz Dodd, who returned to Murray State in 2014 to receive a concentration in HR Management. Nearing graduation, she was encouraged by her professors to take the AOL exam, and she credits HR Management courses for her success.
"I am confident that my completion of HR graduate-level classes at Murray State and my passing score on the SHRM Assurance of Learning Assessment will help prove my expertise to both my current and future employers,” said Dodd.
For students interested in becoming certified, the program’s faculty recommend taking the aPHR or PHR exams, which are offered through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). The aPHR is designed for recent graduates who are starting their career, while the PHR is intended for those who have mastered HR law.
Courtney Payne, who graduated from Murray State University in fall 2011 with a degree in Business Management–Human Resources, took the PHR exam to set herself apart from her peers.
“The exam is by far one of the hardest exams I have ever taken — which makes passing it that much sweeter! I passed the exam on my first try and did well on it. I contribute that largely in part to being well prepared by the HR Program and its staff,” said Payne.
Now, Payne works as an HR Generalist at Mizkan America, a 400-employee food manufacturing facility that produces Ragu and Bertolli sauces, in Owensboro, Ky. During her time with the company, she has been involved in a divestiture, a layoff, an acquisition and a merger.
When faced with company changes or evolving federal laws — like the overtime rule recently introduced by the U.S. Department of Labor — HR professionals must be able to adapt. Payne said the HR track prepared her for such changes, but more importantly, it helped her to become confident in the field.
“Each course that's part of the program taught something important; however, I strongly believe that the most important knowledge you get comes from outside the classroom and a text book,” said Payne. “Murray State’s HR Program does just that. It immerses you in the field and allows you to apply what you've learned from the classroom while gaining invaluable experience. Beyond all else, the HR Program teaches you to teach yourself, which is a crucial skill in the ever-changing HR field.”
Payne attributes her ability to succeed in the position to her HR professors, who encouraged her to take the industry exam and who continue to support and guide her — even four years after she graduated.
To learn more, please Joy Roach Humphreys at 270-809-4259 or jhumphreys4@murraystate.edu.
s rate on the National Assurance of Learning Assessment (AOL), compared to a national average of 62% as publicized by the Society for Human Resources Management.
The industry exam covers the information an HR professional needs to know to succeed in an entry-level position. Murray State’s HR Management faculty encourage graduating seniors to take the assessment to get a step ahead in the field.
Though the assessment does not provide a certification, “it is however a third-party evaluation of student qualifications that can be an indicator of the strength of an HR program, which is essential under the AACSB guidelines for a business school to maintain its accreditation,” said Sandy Miles, Professor of Human Resource Management.
“This exam is not mandatory to enter the HR profession, but it does distinguish recent graduates who are pursuing HR jobs that they do indeed have the required knowledge,” added Miles.
One such graduate is Liz Dodd, who returned to Murray State in 2014 to receive a concentration in HR Management. Nearing graduation, she was encouraged by her professors to take the AOL exam, and she credits HR Management courses for her success.
“I am confident that my completion of HR graduate-level classes at Murray State and my passing score on the SHRM Assurance of Learning Assessment will help prove my expertise to both my current and future employers,” said Dodd.
For students interested in becoming certified, the program’s faculty recommend taking the aPHR or PHR exams, which are offered through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). The aPHR is designed for recent graduates who are starting their career, while the PHR is intended for those who have mastered HR law and practices.
Courtney Payne, who graduated from Murray State University in fall 2011 with a degree in Business Management–Human Resources, took the PHR exam to set herself apart from her peers.
“The exam is by far one of the hardest exams I have ever taken — which makes passing it that much sweeter! I passed the exam on my first try and did well on it. I contribute that largely in part to being well prepared by the HR Program and its staff,” said Payne.
Now, Payne works as an HR Generalist at Mizkan America, a 400-employee food manufacturing facility that produces Ragu and Bertolli sauces, in Owensboro, Ky. During her time with the company, she has been involved in a divestiture, a layoff, an acquisition and a merger.
When faced with company changes or evolving federal laws — like the overtime rule recently introduced by the U.S. Department of Labor — HR professionals must be able to adapt. Payne said the HR track prepared her for such changes, but more importantly, it helped her to become confident in the field.
“Each course that's part of the program taught something important; however, I strongly believe that the most important knowledge you get comes from outside the classroom and a text book,” said Payne. “Murray State’s HR Program does just that. It immerses you in the field and allows you to apply what you've learned from the classroom while gaining invaluable experience. Beyond all else, the HR Program teaches you to teach yourself, which is a crucial skill in the ever-changing HR field.”
Payne attributes her ability to succeed in the position to her HR professors, who encouraged her to take the industry exam and who continue to support and guide her — even four years after she graduated.
To learn more, contact Joy Roach Humphreys at 270-809-4259 or jhumphreys4@murraystate.edu.
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