Unleashing Intentional Success With Continuous Learning
Xavier Smith is someone who embraces change not as a one-time decision, but a commitment to ongoing growth: “As a team of one in the U.S. region, I utilize my network as a sounding board, but it’s critical to back decisions with knowledge and data.” And that is exactly what he found at AIHR.
Aligning Actions to Values
Like many, Xavier entered college without a clear direction. His disposition was toward people-centered careers – something a Myers-Briggs personality test confirmed when it pointed him toward a career in human resources.
Xavier solidified his direction, but realized that he wasn’t learning specifically about HR in his college coursework. He began looking for ways to gain HR skills and experience both pre- and post-graduation, “I needed something more specialized, something with continuous learning.”
This is where AIHR was able to support Xavier in his journey: “You don’t have to know everything, but you do have to know where to get the information. Having the right network, resources, and continuing education is super important.”
Creating a Future-Focused Plan
Xavier took an intentional approach to his career aspirations: “I’ve always prioritized growth over compensation, because continued growth will naturally get me to the next level.”
He’s clear that he’s in control of his own career development, for both himself and to better equip organizations for the future: “We talk about developing our people, but we’re also our people as well. And we need to prioritize upskilling.”
Today, Xavier is pivoting into a different kind of HR. He’s completed a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in business – and risen through the ranks as an HR professional – but understands that continuous learning is needed to reach the next level: “One thing that attracted me to AIHR is that there isn’t a focus on one HR silo, or at one stage of career progression.
There is content that helps you plan your path from early on through leadership development. They want to help you get there.”
Practical Application and Showcasing Value
As HR develops more rapidly than ever, Xavier strikes the balance of knowledge application and continuous learning in many ways. He sets aside time at the end of the week to spend time in the HR Business Partner Certification Program, and is quick to reach for other resources available in the academy. “The Resource Library is my favorite tab on the AIHR platform,” he says.
“Once I’m done with a class, I’ll do one of the mini courses or download materials. Recently, I’ve used the templates for exit interviews. I’ll definitely be using it more because the scope of my role will expand. One of my strategic pillars is around culture and talent development. I’ll be working on our talent framework, which is something I have not gotten into yet. Having AIHR support is going to be very helpful, from knowledge to assets.”
Upskill Alongside Your HR Peers
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join 15,000 of your peers who are taking advantage of highly recommended content in upskilling, continuous learning, and development support. Browse the course catalog today.
Connect with Xavier on LinkedIn.
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