Alice Notarangelo

HR is becoming more strategic and less administrative. Organizations are investing more in career growth, well-being, engagement and creating workplaces where employees can thrive.

Career questions with Alice

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

I love the human side of human resources. Every day is different, and I have the opportunity to support people through important moments in their careers, whether it's their first day, a promotion, a challenge or simply helping them find the right answer.

What inspired me to pursue HR was the realization that behind every business process, there are people. I was drawn to the idea of creating positive employee experiences and helping build workplaces where people feel supported, heard and valued. 

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

Technical skills can always be learned, but being able to connect with people, listen, build trust and adapt your approach to different personalities makes a huge difference in HR. I would also say curiosity and a willingness to ask questions have helped me grow quickly, especially when taking on responsibilities that were completely new to me. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

The Co-op program and hands-on learning opportunities allowed me to gain practical experience early on and helped me understand how HR concepts apply in real workplace situations. It also pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to balance multiple priorities.

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

One of my standout memories was landing my first internship through the Co-op program. As an international student studying during COVID, there were moments when everything felt uncertain. Receiving my first internship opportunity gave me confidence that I was building a future for myself in Canada and that all the hard work was paying off. It was a turning point in both my academic and professional journey.

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

Don't be afraid to take up space and ask questions. Early in my career, I sometimes worried about not knowing enough, but I've learned that growth comes from being curious and willing to learn. Most people are happy to help, and asking questions is often a sign of engagement, not a weakness. 

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

I think one of the most exciting shifts is the growing focus on employee experience and people development. HR is becoming more strategic and less administrative. Organizations are investing more in career growth, well-being, engagement and creating workplaces where employees can thrive.

Technology and AI are also helping automate routine tasks, allowing HR professionals to spend more time focusing on people, culture and meaningful business impact. 

Feeling inspired?

• Join the John Molson Human Resources and Management Association (JHMA) or other JMSB student associations.   
• Consider Co-op to gain professional work experience during your program. 
• Use digital tools like Excel and Power BI to organize your work and streamline assignments through FutureBound’s digital skills workshops.  
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.