Shilpa Jain CMHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/the position that you are in currently?
HR has always been my calling, driven by a deep passion for understanding people and exploring human behaviour through evidence-based practices. This inspired me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, followed by a Master’s and Doctorate in HRM, equipping me with the necessary qualifications and training. An academic career in HR allows me to offer valuable support to learners, helping them grow and achieve success in their careers. By partnering with the community through my research, I bring important themes and voices to the forefront. Additionally, I'm committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where each student feels empowered to explore their potential. I actively engage in mentoring, inspired by the transformative impact it can have on future HR leaders.
What do you love about working in HR?
As an HR academic, I am passionate about teaching and researching in the HR field. I love how my people-related inquiries inform the body of knowledge and contribute practical insights and strategies that help employees thrive in organisations committed to employee well-being. Engaging with diverse perspectives enriches my understanding of workplace dynamics, enabling me to craft solutions that foster inclusivity and innovation. I also relish the opportunity to shape future HR leaders by guiding them in developing skills that bridge theory and practice. Collaborating with industry professionals keeps my work grounded and allows me to stay abreast of evolving trends in HR, ensuring relevance in my teaching and research.
Are there any specific highlights of your career that you wish to share?
It has been a fulfilling experience to watch my career journey shape beautifully, living and working across diverse cultural contexts in the higher education sector, and supporting learners with their studies and goals. A highlight of my career was attaining Principal Academic status with Open Polytechnic of New Zealand last year, a significant milestone that validated over two decades of academic leadership and excellence. Additionally, leading international research collaborations has allowed me to contribute to global discourse in HR, enriching my perspective and impact. Winning the 2024 Emerald Literati Outstanding paper award for one of my collaborative research projects was another fulfilling achievement, further establishing my role as a thought leader in the field.
What are your thoughts on Chartered Membership? How do you feel about being a Chartered Member?
It was an immensely satisfying experience to go through the HRNZ Charter process as an academic. A Chartered Membership formalises professional alignment with HRNZ and provides an excellent platform to further collaboration, leadership, and influence within the sector. Receiving this honour feels exceptionally rewarding and humbling, serving as a validation of over two decades of HR experience and excellence. It's a significant highlight in my professional career, greatly aided by the support and guidance of numerous wonderful people throughout my journey. I feel an immense sense of trust and responsibility to continue making valuable contributions to the HR community in Aotearoa. This membership strengthens my commitment to nurturing an inclusive and innovative environment for people-related initiatives and community engagement. Moreover, it inspires me to mentor aspiring HR professionals, ensuring they benefit from my insights and experiences.
What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
My journey with HRNZ began in 2019 as a professional member, providing me with invaluable knowledge and interactions that have greatly enriched my understanding of HR practices. Joining the Wellington branch as a committee member allowed me to deepen my commitment and contribute more significantly to the HR community. This year, I felt the time was right to advance to the next level of HR in Aotearoa, with a strong desire to give back to the community. This motivated me to apply for Chartered Membership, hoping that this recognition and influence would enable me to become a thought leader in HR and shape diverse HR initiatives. Moreover, I aim to leverage this platform to advocate for progressive policies that enhance employee well-being and organisational success.
What are your next steps in terms of your career now that you are a Chartered Member?
As a Chartered Member, I am passionate about building a bridge between academic research and real-world application, aiming to translate research insights into accessible formats to help HRNZ members stay ahead of the curve. I'm keen to offer research-informed perspectives on critical issues such as the future of work, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and employee well-being. Another important step close to my heart involves mentoring the next generation of HR professionals. I hope to collaborate with HRNZ to support students and early-career practitioners to engage meaningfully with the profession, fostering growth and development.
Additionally, I am committed to shaping ethical, future-ready HR practices and see my role within HRNZ as a strategic partner in cultivating professional standards, lifelong learning, and inclusive innovation in Aotearoa New Zealand's HR landscape. By collaborating on initiatives that drive positive change, I am determined to make a lasting impact on the HR community.
As I look ahead, I am guided by the belief that "The true measure of success is not only in achievements but also in the opportunities created for others to thrive."