Who is Shuntelle McClean-Barrow?
After graduating at the top of my class in 2008 and being awarded the title of valedictorian, I successfully completed my Associates Degree in Business Studies and bachelor’s degree in Management - Human Resource Management. In the near future, I will be pursuing a master’s in Industrial Relations. I have two beautiful daughters, ages 4 and 7, as well as a strong family support system. While maintaining a genuine love for organizational excellence and career development, one of my #1 beliefs is to train people well enough so that they can leave, however, treat them well enough so that they don't have to.
Describe a typical day in the work life of Shuntelle.
As a Human Resources Administrator, I oversee all aspects of workforce development and management. I ensure the company is appropriately staffed. While responsibilities may vary on a day-to-day basis, I serve as the primary point person for all issues related to employee activity. I am responsible for interviewing potential employees and keeping all employees up to date on company policies and new developments within the organization. These responsibilities are merely a small segment of my daily activities; however, they lay a foundation for an effective and efficient career experience.
What do you consider the most rewarding aspect of working in this field?
Working in a field I love. Many people are not privileged to accomplish that. I enjoy helping my employer remain viable, by attracting top talent, recruiting the best candidates for each position and enabling employees to develop their skills and talents for their own benefit and that of the company. It is my goal to connect the value of human capital to the company's bottom line.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing a career in Human Resources?
Go for it! There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your staff members excel, not only professionally but individually as well. It is never too late to pursue your dreams. While pursuing this, it is very important to maintain your integrity. Taking short cuts and being unethical will not work. Remember, although the outcome is important, the correct process is likely to have a profound effect on an impeccable outcome.
Tell us something you wish you knew 10 years ago.
Be patient and trust God. As much as things change quickly, you also need a great degree of patience and a long-term mentality to successfully achieve. Ultimate success takes a long time, a lot of discipline and a great deal of consistency no matter how dedicated or talented you are. If I had known this ten years ago, I would have spent less time worrying about finding the ideal HR job, and more time preparing myself to be the best HR professional for when that time came. Lucky for me, due to my amazing colleagues within the HR, Payroll, IT and Management professions, when that time came, my experience and professional growth grew at a rate that I would have never imagined.
We know you’re a busy individual, how do you approach work life balance?
There’s no set formula for the ideal work-life balance—it’s different for everyone. For me, I have a mighty-strong family support system, which makes this aspect of my life, so far, easy to maintain.
Any advice for individuals in pursuit of a job right now?
Don't give up. It is hard out there, there is no doubt about that; however, perseverance seldom fails. Where possible, always have a professional look over your resume. The market out there is quite competitive and with that being said, standing out becomes a critical part of your ability to find your "dream job". If you are currently employed, but looking for better, grab at every professional assistance you are offered, use them as resume builders and don't be afraid to include them in your CV. If you can, volunteering in other departments at work can also work in your favor. Also, if you need to, never be afraid to go back to school, remember, in order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.