To bring the course curriculum to life, Cindy Parker, instructional professor of management and Leidos Corporate Partner Faculty Fellow at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University, welcomed ten human resources (HR) professionals to her advanced HR class for a career panel and networking session.
(left to right) Dorion Baker, Molly Frome, Tricia Kleber, and Christine Sullivan. Photo by Cindy Parker.
After gaining valuable insights and practical advice from the panelists, students networked in a supportive environment, building meaningful connections and engaging in deeper conversations.
“Opportunities like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the workplace.”
— Phillip Pinero, BS Management ‘20
Mary C. Khattak, president of SHRM Dulles, where Parker serves on the board, was excited to partner with her for the panel discussion and networking event. “It is so important to learn from the next generation of HR professionals and provide experienced guidance and career advice,” said Khattak. “The conversations and caliber of the students were top tier. I truly believe in giving back to not only my profession by serving as SHRM Dulles president, but to George Mason as an MPA alumna [2006].”
Also joining the networking session was Phillip Pinero, BS Management ‘20, a former student of Parker’s and now an HR executive at Sogolytics. “It was great connecting directly with students and my former professor and hearing how they were thinking about entering the workforce,” he said. “Opportunities like this help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the workplace.”
Students participating in a career panel and networking session for an advanced HR class. Photo by Cindy Parker.
An HR executive at Procentrix, Christine Sullivan participated in both the career panel and networking session. She advised the class to pursue roles that offer unique opportunities and exposure to diverse environments and various facets of human resources. She also encouraged them to ask questions at work, emphasizing that no one is expected to know everything and that curiosity reflects a genuine eagerness to learn. "I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with students in the advanced HR class,” she said. “Both in the panel and small group discussions, the students impressed me with their desire to learn how to launch successful careers."
The advanced HR students remained engaged throughout the event, finding much of the advice directly applicable to the careers they are pursuing. “One of the panelists, Dorion Baker, shared something that really stood out to me: ‘It’s more about who you know than what you know,’” said Aiyana Knott, a senior studying business management. “That insight really put into perspective how important networking truly is and how far it can get you in your career. I think I will always remember that and carry it with me as I continue building professional relationships."
Students engaging with HR professionals. Photo by Cindy Parker.
"I was delighted to engage with all of the career panelists, as it was truly an enlightening experience,” said Matthew Marceda, a senior studying business management. “This was a moment where I got to take my knowledge and exchange ideas that I have had about my studies with people that have real-world experience in the field that I have been working towards. This event really cemented what I want to do in my future career in HR. The event highlights the importance of networking as people's experiences paint a picture that goes beyond what you can learn in the classroom and can give you an idea of what you are working towards."
By partnering with accomplished yet approachable HR professionals, Cindy Parker has transformed her classroom into an engaging, interactive learning environment that equips students for real-world success. This collaborative approach not only enriches the academic experience but also strengthens the connection between the Costello College of Business and the surrounding HR community.