Last winter I found myself deep into a job search and had some specific ideas in mind when I thought about what the perfect opportunity looked like. My list of ideas consisted of important things such as; challenge, opportunity for advancement, as well as finding a job close to home.

I live in Durham and had only lived here for a short time when I started my job search and quickly came to the realization that I did not have very many local contacts. I had been a subscriber of the EO list for a few years by now and one day found on there that there would be an HR networking meeting held in Durham. I was so excited to get out there and meet some local HR people.

One of the contacts I made at this event was in a similar situation as I was, looking to make professional connections in Durham. Together we identified that there was a need for an HR centric networking group and this is where the DRHRN (Durham Region Human Resource Networking) came from. The purpose of the DRHRN is to hold regular meetings where HR professionals can seek advice and share knowledge in a diplomatic, confidential environment regarding professional issues that arise, and to create a LinkedIn group to facilitate communication for members between meetings.

The DRHRN started last spring is now 29 members strong, and at each meeting we discuss different topics. At past events we have discussed topic such as; recruiter secrets, job search, building & maintaining a strong professional network, NKE Exam prep, and had a live demonstration on LinkedIn. Future topics for discussion include; approaches to leveraging HR’s value, strategies for building HR’s business acumen & internal marketing, resume feedback etc. We will continue to meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month.

If you are interested in attending a meeting, feel free to send me an email at melissasmith1000@yahoo.ca.