Student Spotlight: Shayne Hobbs – Finding Purpose in Human Resources

For Shayne Hobbs, lifelong learning and career growth have always been priorities. Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Shayne and his family relocated to Northern Alberta, where his father worked in the oilfield industry. With a background in medical administration spanning nearly seven years, Shayne has worked in both emergency and outpatient departments, even cross-training in switchboard operations. However, his passion for helping others reach their full potential led him to explore new career opportunities in Human Resources (HR).

While continuing to work as an administrative assistant for two nephrologists at St. Joseph’s Healthcare affiliated with McMaster University, Shayne made the decision to further his education by enrolling in McMaster Continuing Education’s Human Resources Management program.

Discovering McMaster Continuing Education and diving into Human Resources Management

Shayne first learned about McMaster Continuing Education during his onboarding process when he was first hired. Intrigued by the program, he took the initiative to research the My OWN McMaster Pathway and quickly realized it was the perfect fit. The ability to balance work and school, combined with tuition assistance options, made continuing education both accessible and practical.

“McMaster is one of the top universities in Canada, so I knew I’d be getting current and relevant HR knowledge in real time.”

Shayne chose to pursue the Human Resources Management program to fuel his passion in helping people recognize their own talents and support them in achieving success, all while building a career that provides a better work-life balance. He has currently successfully completed three courses and is working on his fourth, being one step closer to earning his degree. 

“Even though we’ve just started, Talent Acquisition is already my favorite course. It’s fascinating to see how businesses use AI to streamline recruitment, allowing HR professionals to focus more on people rather than sifting through applications.”

Gaining Valuable Skills and Career Insights

Through the program, Shayne has sharpened his communication skills, making it easier to convey ideas clearly and efficiently in the workplace. The insights gained from his coursework have also improved his ability to streamline administrative processes, leading to a more organized and effective workflow. His colleagues have even started approaching him for problem-solving advice and innovative solutions.

“This program has given me a better understanding of the employee life cycle and the challenges that can arise within it. I now feel more confident in my ability to contribute to workplace improvements.”

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Online Learning

Like many adult learners, Shayne faced self-doubt when returning to school. Previous attempts at post-secondary education had not worked out, as he struggled with traditional in-class learning. However, the flexibility of online education through McMaster Continuing Education changed everything.

“The delivery of the courses online with reading material and videos, not to mention being at home and not worrying about driving from work to campus has helped me a lot. I find the delivery of these courses much more tangible for me and I am able to better understand what is being taught to me.”

Advice for Future Students

Shayne encourages anyone considering continuing education to take the leap.

“Just go for it! You won’t know unless you try. Talk to your HR representative about how to get enrolled as well as how to enrol in the tuition assistance! There’s never a time to stop learning so if something piques your interest, my advice is to go for it!”

To balance his studies with his full-time 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. job and personal interests, Shayne dedicates weekday evenings to reading and sets aside time on weekends for assignments. This approach allows him to continue pursuing hobbies like painting, acting, and spending time with friends.

Looking Ahead

Shayne’s ultimate goal is to become a Chartered Human Resources Professional (CHRP) specialized in Talent Acquisition. He hopes to continue working in healthcare HR and possibly return to Newfoundland to be closer to his family and newborn nephew.

His personal mantra, inspired by his favourite Fleetwood Mac song, keeps him motivated:

“Take on the situation but not the torment.” 

Shayne mentions, “it’s important to remind yourself that whatever you are going through is temporary and that nothing is worth carrying that is going to drag you down.”

With his dedication, passion for people, and newfound HR expertise, Shayne is well on his way to achieving his career goals while making a meaningful impact in the workplace.

Interested in following in Shayne’s footsteps? Explore McMaster Continuing Education’s My OWN McMaster Pathway and the Human Resources Management Program.