Marcy Wudarski is the Director of Communications at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a professional organization with membership of more than 200,000 HR professionals worldwide. She serves as the primary spokesperson and first point of contact for media inquiries, speaking opportunities, and general communications. In this blog post, we profile Marcy Wudarski to give you an idea about who she is and what she does.

A brief introduction to Marcy Wudarski

Marcy Wudarski is the Director of Communications at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Prior to joining the organization, she served as the Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for Marriott International, Inc. for eight years. During her tenure at Marriott, she managed the Corporate Communications, Government and Public Affairs, and Media Relations teams. In addition to her experience in corporate communications and public affairs, Wudarski has also served as Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Virginia Employment Commission and as a spokesperson for the Virginia Governor’s Office. She has also held communications and public relations positions in the private sector, including Public Affairs Director for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

What does Marcy do at SHRM?

Marcy Wudarski leads the communications team at SHRM – which includes managing the organization’s social channels and media relations. She is responsible for generating content that shares the latest trends, research, and news in the HR industry. She manages the HR media landscape, connecting HR professionals with journalists and thought leaders. She also serves as the organization’s spokesperson for general inquiries and press events.

Marcy’s advice to people in HR: Go back to school

Unlike many of her colleagues, Wudarski did not get her start in the field of HR with a bachelor’s degree in the subject. In fact, she did not even have an undergraduate degree when she applied for her first HR position. At the time, she was earning her master’s degree in public administration and governance at Virginia Commonwealth University. During an interview for SHRM’s Director of Communications position, Wudarski was asked if she would pursue her bachelor’s degree in HR. Her advice to others in a similar situation is, “Go back to school. Get your degree. Get your certification. Because it’s more than just a job. It’s a career that has a lot of flexibility and opportunities.”

Marcy’s view on diversity and inclusion in the workplace

While many organizations have been praised for their diversity, Wudarski has noticed that the conversation has shifted to inclusion. She says, “Diversity is really about who is in the room. Inclusion is who’s in the room and also who’s at the table.” Many organizations have committed to diversifying their workforce, but Wudarski believes that to be a superficial commitment. She says, “You can’t just check the box and say that you’ve done your job.”

How to succeed in HR without a degree

While many organizations are looking for candidates with HR degrees, it’s still possible to succeed in the field without having earned a bachelor’s in the subject. Wudarski says, “There is no degree required. There are certification programs. There are certifications that are available that can be an entry point into the field.” She also encourages people who want to get into the field to volunteer to gain some practical experience. She says, “Volunteer and work in a nonprofit environment. Volunteer and work with a nonprofit HR department.”

Conclusion

Marcy Wudarski has found success in her career as the primary spokesperson and first point of contact for media inquiries, speaking opportunities, and general communications. She brings decades of experience and expertise to the table, and she is well-respected across the industry. The communications team at SHRM is well-equipped to support HR professionals and organizations. With Wudarski as the Director of Communications, this team is poised to further the field of HR and support the professionals who work in it.