On Tuesday, November 19th, the Economics Career Office (ECO) and the UVA Career Center (UVACC) hosted an insightful HR Careers Panel Discussion. The event, which took place from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, brought together a group of distinguished professionals to share their experiences and provide valuable advice for students considering a career in Human Resources (HR).
The panel was moderated by Professor Emma Harrington and featured a dynamic lineup of experts:
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Lauren Nelson, Associate Director of Compensation at Chewy
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Gus Hansborough, HR Business Partner at Amazon
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Tyler Saunders, Senior Manager and Delivery Lead at Capital One
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Susan Holtzman, HR Manager at CornerStone Partners
The panelists discussed the evolving role of HR, emphasizing that today’s HR professionals manage much more than just employee hiring and firing. They play an essential role in shaping an organization’s culture, managing compensation and performance, designing training programs, and building infrastructure to support employee growth and success.
In addition to discussing HR job functions, we took advantage of our guests' recruiting experience to ask them about hiring, salary negotiations, and interviewing candidates. We received some great tips!
The panelists also highlighted how HR functions now require a blend of technical skills, such as data analysis and project management, alongside strong interpersonal abilities. They shared how professionals with diverse backgrounds—ranging from business and psychology to economics and cognitive science—are making an impact in the field, demonstrating that HR is no longer a one-size-fits-all career.
After the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to network with the panelists and fellow students. This allowed for deeper discussions on career paths in HR and the skills necessary to succeed in the field.
The event was a great success, offering students a comprehensive look at the growing field of HR and showcasing the diverse opportunities within the profession. A big thank you to the UVACC for organizing the event, and to the panelists for their time and insights.