Students at the James M. Hull College of Business at Augusta University are now able to earn the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification while still in college, according to a Mar. 25 announcement. This new opportunity is part of an advanced human resources course and aims to give students a competitive advantage as they enter the workforce.
The SHRM-CP certification is widely recognized in the human resources field and demonstrates an understanding of organizational management, policies, and workplace culture. The advanced HR course (MGMT 4560), taught by Stacy Roberts, DBA, allows students to study official SHRM materials and gain practical experience in real-world HR operations. Hull covers all costs associated with the certification exam and study materials, making it free for participating students.
Roberts said her course is designed as an in-depth look into daily work done by HR professionals. Students participate in mock interviews, resume reviews, and hands-on activities that mirror tasks found in actual HR roles. “This is great to get early in their career to set them up for success and be competitive in the job market. This is something that even seasoned HR professionals strive for,” Roberts said.
Industry professionals are also brought into the classroom as guest speakers, including HR attorney Chris Melcher; payroll specialists who demonstrate manual payroll calculations; and business partners from ADP such as Marcie Nelson. To further prepare students for the exam, Roberts hosts study sessions during both semesters and summer breaks.
Nine students have attempted the SHRM-CP exam so far through this program, with seven passing: Annastasia Eskew, Natalie Zahner, Makayla Downs, Krisha Patel, Elizabeth Damron, Emily Del Rosario and Amiyah Johnson. Eskew said: “Preparing for the SHRM exam was both challenging and rewarding because it required me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world HR practices… Passing the exam was a meaningful milestone that strengthened my confidence and excitement for my future career.”
Other students noted how support from Hull made earning this credential possible without financial burden while completing their degrees. Patel said: “This certification helps me stand out as I move into my post-graduate career and represents the unique experiences Hull College of Business offers to its students… I am grateful for all of their support.” Del Rosario added: “With the support of Dr. Stacy Roberts our class was the first to receive this opportunity… earning the credential helped me advance from HR Assistant to HR Generalist within my first four months in the field.”
Roberts believes obtaining professional credentials before graduation can significantly impact student careers by providing hands-on experience alongside academic knowledge.
