By Kara Turey
Our College of Business Alumni Spotlight is Heather “HD” Deyrieux, MSM, SHRM-SCP, and SPHR. HD is a two-time UCF Knight with a Bachelor of Science in General Business and a Master of Science in Management, Concentration in Human Resources. In grad school, she worked full time during the day at The Great Job Spot Network, home of OrlandoJobs.com and various other sites, while attending classes at night. Today HD is the Manager of Workforce Planning at Sarasota County Government.
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, HD knew she wanted to earn a master’s so she could grow and develop in the field of business and be recognized for it.
She explored several industries and positions before landing in Human Resources. She wanted a master’s degree in a concentrated area of expertise that would help her grow personally and professionally in the field. UCF’s Professional Master of Science in Management, Human Resources track turned out to be the perfect fit for her and her career.
In grad school, HD joined the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Florida and the local Greater Orlando SHRM chapter. She enjoyed the cohort experience, working with different classmates on team projects and connecting with faculty.
The program helped her advance into the role of Director of Strategic Planning & Development with the Great Job Spot Network and successfully pass the difficult Senior Professional in Human Resources exam. “A graduate degree, especially one from UCF, is well respected. For my current role, a graduate degree was a preferred qualification and is a minimum qualification for potential future roles.”
HD says she still uses the Human Resource concentration information, knowledge and management skills each day in her career and in the volunteer work she does, including her current role as President of HR Florida. She also is a member of the Sarasota-Manatee Human Resources Association, having left Orlando in 2017.
HD credits her graduate degree with helping her career and helping her stand out from others. She says the degree is often a preferred and minimum qualification for potential future roles.
Congratulations, HD, on excelling in your career and continuing to charge on!
What are some beneficial things that you learned in the program and have been able to use over the years?
A graduate degree, especially one from UCF, is well respected. For my current role, a graduate degree was a preferred qualification and is a minimum qualification for potential future roles.
How do you use any of the beneficial things in your current position?
Every day! The knowledge and management skills are utilized every day in my career and
volunteer work. The HR concentration is also utilized!