Murray State SHRM Chapter President Reflections

Written by: Sharik Holmes, 2025 MSU SHRM Chapter President

I used to think of myself as an observer, someone who watched from the sidelines rather than leading. Before joining SHRM, I truly believed that leadership was a natural gift, best suited for those who were outspoken. However, SHRM taught me a different, more important lesson: leadership isn't measured by how loud you are; it's defined by having a clear idea, being steady in your efforts, and truly caring about others.

My role as SHRM Chapter President at Murray State University became a deeply personal goal. My main aim was to create a welcoming environment where every student, no matter what they were studying, felt like they truly belonged. I wanted to build more than just meetings; I wanted to create launching pads where students could discover their own skills and bravely imagine a meaningful future, whether in human resources or any field that truly excited them.

Some of the best parts of my time as president really showed this idea in action. Our chapter proudly hosted Internship Night, an event we carefully planned to show how vital real-world experience is for building a career that truly matters. We were also very lucky to learn from Jim Link, SHRM's Chief Human Resources Officer, whose visit wasn't just an honor, but a powerful lesson in leading with purpose and understanding the big changes happening in today's workplace. Throughout the year, we were also blessed with many professionals who generously shared their knowledge and helped equip our students with practical skills important for their career paths.

In less than a year, I successfully landed three internships, including a PXT internship with Amazon. Each of these experiences greatly helped me grow personally and professionally in ways that classroom learning couldn't match. But my involvement with SHRM has been about much more than just making my résumé look good. It gave me a new sense of confidence, a clear understanding of what I wanted, and a definite path forward.

As I think back on this time, I realize something amazing: by working hard to put on important events and help build a strong, connected student community, I wasn't just helping others find their voice. I was, in a very real way, finding my own. Serving as SHRM Chapter President didn't just prepare me for a job; it completely shaped what that job would be and why I wanted it. For this life-changing experience, I will always be truly thankful.