6 answers
Ayden
Student
Westwood, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
340 views
How were you able to become successful in climbing the ladder to become high ranking in the Human Resources department?
I am a soon to be graduate from high school and I have interned at a human resources department for 6 months and have realizes that it is the career I desire. I'd like to know a little more about some tips on how to climb the corporate ladder.
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6 answers
Rumyana Kaludova
Human Resources: Global Recruiting Business Partner
4
Answers
Sofia, Bulgaria
Updated
Rumyana’s Answer
Hello Ayden,
It is great to connect with such a curious young professional like yourself! Kudos for not being shy to ask some real questions!
Climbing the corporate ladder is not always about a promotion or a job title change. Remember you can always grow if you feel you are learning or making an impact into people's life and you can be a leader in any role regardless of job seniority. A few specific examples that will help you grow professionally (climb the corporate ladder) would be:
- Cultivate a growth mindset: be open to change and becoming a better version of yourself, learn from mistakes
- Adopt a lifelong learning mindset: make sure you are well-prepared for the Work of the Future (digital, AI related skills...)
- Make networking a habit: connect with professionals outside your current team and departments, this is how you build up your business acumen and get to learn about more opportunities
- Be a strong performer in what you are currently doing, try to go the extra mile when delivering results (not meaning working overtime)
- Be proactive, take the initiative: do not sit and wait, be the 1st one to suggest an idea/improvement or volunteer for a new initiative. This is how you build your credibility, visibility, personal brand, as well as leadership skills
- Be vocal and present in meetings: present your accomplishments, make sure you are visible to the leadership team
- Establish strong connections with the business leaders: prioritize learning more about the business: having a strong business acumen will open more doors to you
And last but not least - be consistent, diligent and professional!
My best,
Rumyana
It is great to connect with such a curious young professional like yourself! Kudos for not being shy to ask some real questions!
Climbing the corporate ladder is not always about a promotion or a job title change. Remember you can always grow if you feel you are learning or making an impact into people's life and you can be a leader in any role regardless of job seniority. A few specific examples that will help you grow professionally (climb the corporate ladder) would be:
- Cultivate a growth mindset: be open to change and becoming a better version of yourself, learn from mistakes
- Adopt a lifelong learning mindset: make sure you are well-prepared for the Work of the Future (digital, AI related skills...)
- Make networking a habit: connect with professionals outside your current team and departments, this is how you build up your business acumen and get to learn about more opportunities
- Be a strong performer in what you are currently doing, try to go the extra mile when delivering results (not meaning working overtime)
- Be proactive, take the initiative: do not sit and wait, be the 1st one to suggest an idea/improvement or volunteer for a new initiative. This is how you build your credibility, visibility, personal brand, as well as leadership skills
- Be vocal and present in meetings: present your accomplishments, make sure you are visible to the leadership team
- Establish strong connections with the business leaders: prioritize learning more about the business: having a strong business acumen will open more doors to you
And last but not least - be consistent, diligent and professional!
My best,
Rumyana
Anne Maltese
VP, Workplace Consultant
4
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Hi Ayden! In addition to the great advice above, I'd add getting familiar with other common functions inside of organizations - finance, IT, customer success, prod/dev (these will vary by industry). The reason I mention this is because HR leaders are expected to drive business results across the organization through their work. Having knowledge into these areas - such as their metrics and KPIs - can help you connect HR initiatives (or design HR strategies) to business impact. In my experience, the most successful HR leaders understand, speak the language of, and drive results like customer satisfaction, customer retention, innovation, and safety, even if HR isn't "directly" responsible for these areas.
Best of luck to you!
Best of luck to you!
Kristal Cobb
Human Resources Director
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Kristal’s Answer
Explore as many HR areas as you can at the start of your career. Try to gain some experience or basic knowledge in each one. Find out which area you enjoy most, then concentrate on that while still learning about others. Connect with people across the company and take on challenging projects that help you grow, especially those that involve different departments and are highly visible.
Beckey Woodard Cole
Chief People Officer
1
Answer
Draper, Utah
Updated
Beckey’s Answer
Hi Ayden,
Getting involved in different areas of Human Resources as a high school intern is really helpful. Pay attention to what you like and don't like, and write down why. Also, note how your work helps the business.
Moving up in a company can happen in many ways. Here are two tips: 1) Knowing HR is important, but you also need to understand how business works and how your company makes money. Being able to show how HR helps the business makes you stand out. 2) When choosing a college, look for schools with SHRM or other HR student chapters. These can connect you with companies and business leaders through networking and projects.
Getting involved in different areas of Human Resources as a high school intern is really helpful. Pay attention to what you like and don't like, and write down why. Also, note how your work helps the business.
Moving up in a company can happen in many ways. Here are two tips: 1) Knowing HR is important, but you also need to understand how business works and how your company makes money. Being able to show how HR helps the business makes you stand out. 2) When choosing a college, look for schools with SHRM or other HR student chapters. These can connect you with companies and business leaders through networking and projects.
Nisha Muralidhar
Talent Acquisition
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Nisha’s Answer
Great question—and first, I just want to say how impressive it is that you’ve already interned in an HR department while still in high school! That kind of early experience will really set you apart. I’ve been in the Talent Acquisition space for several years now, and what’s helped me grow in my HR career has been a mix of continuous learning, building strong relationships, and being intentional with my career moves. Here are a few things that made a difference for me:
Stay curious and keep learning – HR is always evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date on trends, tools, and best practices. Whether it’s taking courses, reading articles, or joining HR communities, it all helps.
Explore different areas of HR – Early in your career, try to get exposure to as many HR functions as possible—recruiting, employee relations, onboarding, learning and development, etc. This gives you a well-rounded view and helps you figure out what you enjoy most.
Build relationships – HR is all about people, and relationships really matter. Get to know your coworkers, business partners, and mentors. The stronger your network, the more support and guidance you’ll have as you grow.
Be proactive – Don’t wait for opportunities to land in your lap. Raise your hand for projects, ask for feedback, and let your leaders know you’re interested in growing your career.
Remember your “why” – HR can be incredibly rewarding, but also challenging. Knowing why you’re passionate about this work will help you stay grounded and motivated, especially during the tough days.
Stay curious and keep learning – HR is always evolving, so it’s important to stay up to date on trends, tools, and best practices. Whether it’s taking courses, reading articles, or joining HR communities, it all helps.
Explore different areas of HR – Early in your career, try to get exposure to as many HR functions as possible—recruiting, employee relations, onboarding, learning and development, etc. This gives you a well-rounded view and helps you figure out what you enjoy most.
Build relationships – HR is all about people, and relationships really matter. Get to know your coworkers, business partners, and mentors. The stronger your network, the more support and guidance you’ll have as you grow.
Be proactive – Don’t wait for opportunities to land in your lap. Raise your hand for projects, ask for feedback, and let your leaders know you’re interested in growing your career.
Remember your “why” – HR can be incredibly rewarding, but also challenging. Knowing why you’re passionate about this work will help you stay grounded and motivated, especially during the tough days.
Donice Cully
Manager, Talent Acquisition and Operations
8
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Donice’s Answer
Hi Ayden,
If you're looking to grow within HR, my advice is to start by gaining a solid understanding of all the different functions within the field. HR covers a wide range of areas, and becoming familiar with each one will help position you for future leadership roles. In addition to leadership training and development opportunities, pursuing your SHRM certification is a great way to deepen your expertise and demonstrate to your leadership team that you're serious about advancing your career.
If you're looking to grow within HR, my advice is to start by gaining a solid understanding of all the different functions within the field. HR covers a wide range of areas, and becoming familiar with each one will help position you for future leadership roles. In addition to leadership training and development opportunities, pursuing your SHRM certification is a great way to deepen your expertise and demonstrate to your leadership team that you're serious about advancing your career.