Charting the Course: An Intentional Path Through Early-Career HR w/ John Boris

John Boris's HR Journey

• 💡 John Boris, a Nestle HR Development Program participant, transitioned from a Public Relations major and Project Management minor to HR, discovering a passion for helping people.
• 🚀 He highlights the significant overlap between communications and HR, especially in employee interactions, which proved beneficial in his early career.

The Role of Project Management in HR

• 📌 Project management is crucial in HR, involving dynamic people management and cross-functional collaboration to implement strategic initiatives.
• ✅ Effective project management in HR requires navigating shifting deadlines and communicating changes across multiple departments and the entire workforce.

Diverse Internship Experiences

• 🎯 John gained foundational experience as an HR Administrator and in Talent Acquisition at Publix, learning business strategy and linking HR to company mission.
• 📊 He challenged himself with a Compensation Analyst role at DHL, mastering data analytics, large reports, and understanding merit and bonus increases.
• 🧩 At Amazon, he developed skills in ambiguity management and project execution, including creating "white papers" for senior leaders instead of presentations.
• ✈️ His experience in Global Talent Acquisition at Boeing involved international recruitment and process improvement, pushing him out of his comfort zone in a new industry.

Navigating HR Development Programs

• 🔑 When choosing a development program, it's essential to align with personal interests (e.g., consumer goods) and assess non-negotiables like relocation support.
• 💡 Candidates should consider their desired HR focus, whether it's an HR Business Partner role, a Center of Excellence, or a generalist path, and research program placements.

Advice for Early Career HR Professionals

• 🌱 Focus on understanding foundational tasks like employee files, compliance, and audits, as these are crucial building blocks for future success.
• 🧠 Embrace the journey and get comfortable with being uncomfortable, recognizing that perfection isn't expected, and mistakes are part of the learning process.
• 📈 Prioritize chasing experience and skill sets over titles, as expertise in areas like compensation analysis, recruiting, or difficult conversations is highly valuable.
• 🤝 Remember that HR is a collaborative field, and professionals should partner with legal counsel and other experts rather than feeling pressured to know every law or regulation.