Student Spotlight | Aisling Maguire | #VUHRDStory
In HR, we are always focused on people - whether that be employees, employers, other HR professionals - and how to make their work experiences better. At Villanova, the HRD program does the same. Our students, the people, are the backbone of our program. Our students come from different backgrounds and have unique experiences, many of which enhance and influence their experience in the program and in their careers in HR. The goal of our student spotlight series is to highlight those unique experiences and to hopefully bring our students together in ways other than strictly through classes.
Our student spotlight of the week is Aisling Maguire, a first-year student in the MSHRD program!
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi! My name is Aisling and I’m a first year HRD student and graduate assistant in the HRD office. I completed my undergrad at Villanova in May 2023 where I studied Psychology with minors in Counseling and Cognitive Science. Some of my interests include golf, listening to podcasts, and learning American Sign Language (although I’m still very much a beginner).
What drove you to choose the Villanova HRD program?
I wanted to join the HRD program to learn how to support an organization’s goals and mission. As an undergrad at Nova, I felt like a part of the community the second I stepped on campus, and the HRD program offers such a supportive, yet academically challenging environment. I want to bring that passion and energy to my future career in HR and be part of the reason why people are passionate about their work and believe in their industry, school, or organization’s values.
Tell us about your current job and role, or any past HR experience that you have.
As a GA, I help with HRD-sponsored events, projects, and, of course, VUSHRM! As the Director of Communications for VUSHRM, I help out with advertising about upcoming events and posting on our social media pages. Although I’m fairly new to HR, I’ve held different positions in the past related to the goals of HR development, such as being a resident assistant, peer career coach, and crisis counselor in my undergraduate career. Through all those positions, I learned vital interpersonal and professional skills related to human resources!
How do you hope the Villanova HRD program will benefit your career trajectory?
I hope that Villanova HRD will help me build a foundation of HR skills and help me find a way to foster a sense of community in any position I hold. Villanova HRD will challenge me to take on new leadership positions and take pride in my work. I also look forward to connecting with the vast VUHRD alumni so I can hear about their experience and insight into the HR industry.
What has been your favorite course in the program and why? Or what course are you most looking forward to taking and why?
I enjoyed taking Employment Law (despite it not being anything like the TV show Suits). I was excited to learn about the ways HR must be conscious of laws relating to employees and the workplace in general. Fair employment practices are so important, and HR has a major role in making sure they are respected. I find the law to be very interesting, and I think every industry professional should be familiar with the legal expectations of their organization! It's also great to progress through the program and see parts of employment law reflected in so many courses throughout HRD.
