Scholarship Spotlight
LER is proud to welcome our new Spring 2015 class! Lhea Randle, one of the new class members, is a fantastic addition to the program and is looking forward to the next 18 months.
“I came to LER because it is a program that demonstrates results,” says Lhea. “More than anything, though, I was drawn here by the community that I would be joining. Everyone I met during my visits talked about this place being a family, and I loved that.”
Another important dimension in her decision was her award of the Susan Handler Scholarship, funded by LER alumna Susan Handler for women and minority recipients. “My passion and excitement for this field, in combination with Ms. Handler’s generosity and support, lays the groundwork for me to excel during my graduate studies and go on to pursue a career in human resources.”
Originally an undergraduate at Illinois, she graduated with a dual degree in Political Science and Communications, and had a couple of years of work experience before returning to campus this spring. “I didn’t realize I wanted to be in HR as an undergraduate, but when I began my sales job I was asked to help with engagement. The work I did helped to retain the sales force and kept them engaged with the organization and their goals. Then I went to National Merit, where I trained my peers and improved their policies. Finally, I worked here on campus with other first-generation college students and helped them with setting and attaining goals. My path is different and unique, but I have learned a variety of aspects of HR in my experiences, and realized that this degree is the next step on my path.”
The field of HR is attractive to Randle because of its dynamic nature. She feels that the function has evolved from an administrative one to a critical mission within an organization. “You can pursue a career in analytics. You can pursue a career in strategy,” she says. “These are such attractive and exciting options.”
“My first three weeks at LER have been such a great experience. I love my peers. I love the promise of this being working together and growing together – making lifelong friends. I can already tell that I’ve made those friends and we are growing together. I love that I’m challenged. I’m already digging deep and embracing it. I’m exhausted, but I’ve been thrown in and I love it all. Recruiters, information sessions, faculty, class … you name it. Great experience, and I can’t wait for what’s next!”