1. A key foundational HR skill to build during any schooling program is a strong understanding of the legal framework HR operates in as it guides all HR functions. Additionally, an understanding that HR is an agent of the business, a bridge between employees and management, and is there to mitigate risk to the company while building a strong employee experience. 2. HR offers a focus on business and people, it is not an administrative function, it is a business function that attracts and retains labour into the organization. There are administrative tasks, but ultimately the career path of HR can focus on areas of compliance, compensation, organizational development, recruitment, employee relations, even safety and wellness. This goes far beyond general business administration, which is more focused on the task level needs of a business in a general sense. 3. Depending on your location, a SHRM or CPHR (if you are in Canada or the USA) pairs well with any HR degree and gives you networking connections as well as touch points to real life experience. Ultimately it will be your network of HR professionals that helps launch you in your career, beyond what formal education can do, so don't discount the power of connections. 4. Recruitment and Compensation are two areas that are great for new grads in HR. Both support learning the multiple areas and business units an organization may have, and are foundational needs every company has. Being eager to learn, able to handle fast pace, and be very strong in organizing and prioritizing your responsibilities will build credibility and help you stand out. 5. The HR field is vast, it can touch on any area of a business and can be broad and generalist to extremely expertise focused. HR can impact any company in any industry, and it is ultimately is about the connection with people and supporting the organization in reaching its goals through its people.