Thanks to Our Sponsor

Welcome to our 2025 Annual Rising Professionals Conference, where we will focus on creating an atmosphere for The Career Catalyst: Networking and Career Development.

The Rising Professionals Conference is ideal for college students interested in HR and those who are new to the HR field looking to jumpstart their professional career. Richmond SHRM members and non-members are welcome to attend. This event is FREE and eligible for SHRM/HRCI Recertification Credits.

Sessions

Building Your Network

Christina Hansen
Director of Human Resources
VCU School of Business

This presentation explores the powerful intersection of networking, storytelling, and elevator pitching—three essential tools for building meaningful professional connections. Attendees will learn how to communicate their personal and professional narratives with clarity and confidence, and how those stories can open doors in both formal and informal settings. We’ll discuss how a well-crafted elevator pitch not only conveys your value but also reinforces your story in a way that resonates with others. By tying these elements together, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how intentional communication supports career growth and strategic relationship-building. A guided worksheet will be provided to help attendees identify key aspects of their story and begin drafting a pitch that reflects their goals and strengths. The session is designed to be practical, reflective, and immediately applicable.  

Learning Objectives:

• Develop and apply strategic networking and storytelling techniques to effectively communicate personal and professional narratives, enhancing relationship-building skills.
• Create a compelling elevator pitch that clearly articulates individual value propositions and reinforces personal stories, supporting career growth.
• Identify key personal and professional strengths, enabling participants to craft targeted messages that foster strategic connections.
  
  

The Recruiter’s Lens: How to Land the Job You Want

John Griffin
Managing Director, Executive Search & Recruiting Practice Leader
Fahrenheit Advisors

This engaging session offers aspiring HR professionals and early-career HR practitioners a behind-the-scenes look at how recruiters evaluate candidates and make hiring decisions. Participants will learn practical strategies to understand the job market, craft compelling personal brandings, and stand out in competitive hiring processes. Whether you're just starting your HR journey or looking to strengthen your candidate insights, you'll gain valuable tips to foster strong employer-employee connections.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify current hiring trends and candidate behaviors to better understand what employers seek in today’s dynamic job market.
• Develop actionable strategies for personal branding and interview preparation—including resume tips, online presence, and storytelling techniques—to effectively showcase skills and motivation.
• Apply relationship-building and networking skills to connect authentically with recruiters and industry peers, enhancing talent acquisition and personal career growth.
  

Agenda

Venue

University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center 
442 Westhampton Way | Richmond, VA 23229

Registration

The conference is open to current Richmond SHRM members, as well as non-members.

Although the event is free, registration is required.

Credits

The program is eligible for 2 SHRM PDCs and HRCI (General) Recertification Credits.