Oakland University’s Human Resources Department seeks to educate students in the classroom and assist them in reaching their career goals.
Dr. Jennifer Wenson, a coordinator of the Human Resources Department sheds light on the opportunities the HRD offers to students. Not only does Wenson hold a place in the HRD, but she also teaches ten undergraduate and graduate classes in the Department of Organizational Leadership at OU.
Wenson has a Bachelor of Science in Business from Marquette University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit. Wenson also has a Doctorate in Management and Leadership.
Wenson specializes in the fields of leadership and motivation. Throughout her professional career, Wenson has enjoyed mentoring young leaders.
“Oakland University’s Human Resources Development degree will empower you with leadership development in social services, preparing you for administrative and training careers in business and industry,” Wenson said. “You can use your Human Resources Development degree to become an HR professional, school administrator, training supervisor, consultant and so much more.”
This is a non-exhaustive list of the possible careers for students studying human resources. In fact, there is a broad range of careers available for HRD professionals.
“As we look at the graduates of the Human Resources Development program, we have found students that have successfully found work not just in the Human Resource Development field,” Wenson said. “As a side note, Dennis Pawley Executive Vice President of Chrysler, as well as former Oakland University Board of Chair/Trustee is a Human Resource Development graduate.”
HRD graduates have moved into the field of Training and Development Specialist/Manager, Organizational Development Specialist/Manager, Talent Management Specialist/Manager, Learning and Development Consultant, Care Development Specialist and so much more.
“For many of our students, they are able to secure employment through their internships during the final semester of the program in the industry of their choice,” Wenson said. “More than 90 percent of our students are employed upon graduation with almost 5 percent pursuing further education.”
The HRD program attracts students with an interest in working with people, leadership development, employee standards and continuous improvement.
“The showcase of these opportunities may benefit students looking for career fit as a Human Resources Development major/minor that have not been made aware of the program,” Wenson said.
For students who are more interested in learning about the program or degree or both, schedule an appointment with the SEHS advising office by calling (248) 370-4182, visit oakland.edu/sehs-advising, or students can swing by the office located in Pawley Hall, room 363 open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
