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Member Spotlight on Vito Alu, SHRM-CP

Vito Alu is a prime example of someone who enjoys learning enough to make it a lifestyle. This certified Human Resources Practitioner with a decade of experience in managing small business teams is earning his Master’s in Human Resources Management, in addition to having completed his SHRM Certification.

Q: Congratulations on earning your SHRM certification! What inspired you to earn your professional designation? What inspires you to complete your graduate degree in human resources management?
A: My inspiration began in 2019 when I enrolled in a SHRM Learning System course offered through Washington University. The professor, who was SHRM certified, spoke highly about this credential and elaborated on the benefits of certification. At that time, I thought that most HR practitioners had this credential. After becoming certified and surveying my HR connections on LinkedIn, I realized that a majority of them lack certification. This makes my certification more valuable for me since I can distinguish myself from many in this highly competitive field. Along with the certification, a master’s degree enables me to establish greater credibility since transitioning into human resources.

Q: I take it from your LinkedIn account, that you are well traveled. Where do you originate from?
A: While being born in the U.S., my parents and the majority of their families immigrated from Sicily. I have a passion for studying cultures and languages and have traveled to Europe and South America where I have a number of friends. A career goal is to work in a global role where I can help an organization develop a global strategy for human resources.

Q: What led you to make the move from past managerial and quality technician roles to the human resources field?
A: My managerial duties immersed me into human resources processes like recruiting, staffing, onboarding, training, payroll, and employee relations. These experiences equip me to understand the dynamics of managing a team, enabling me to easily coach managers and employees through opportunities and challenges in employee relations.

Q: What do you feel that you’ve received from your 2-3 years with SHRM St. Louis? How has the membership benefitted you?
A: SHRM St. Louis provided a smoother transition into human resources through my engagement with members at SHRM sponsored events and on the University Relations committee. My first leadership conference was in 2019 where I met Johnny C. Taylor. This was so memorable along with amazing speakers that I could learn from through their wisdom and experience. Overall, my affiliation with SHRM demonstrates my commitment to the HR profession and my perseverance to overcome obstacles while transitioning into this highly competitive profession in St. Louis.

Q: How were you introduced to SHRM/How did you initially become involved?
A: My friend Liliya Joseph introduced me to SHRM when we were both students at Washington University. She sold me on the benefits of networking as a student before graduation. I attended a meeting and the leadership conference and never looked back.

Q: What are your three hopes for SHRM St. Louis in 2022?
A: I hope that SHRM St. Louis can become instrumental in encouraging students to join in chapter activities for networking to start or advance their HR careers. Promoting SHRM certification to members is important because it will help advance their careers and elevate the HR profession overall. While a graduate degree is a great credential to have, SHRM certification rounds out their skills covering behavioral competencies and functional knowledge areas that are highly sought after by business leaders. Additionally, it highly prepares members for business challenges, and pushes them to continue to learn and grow. While it can be a great complement to a graduate degree, SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP are a significant credential on their own.

Q: What non-professional activities do you enjoy in your spare time? (i.e., travel, hiking, music, cooking, volunteering)
A: In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running, reading and cooking, along with spending time with family and friends.

Q: Who are you inspired by?
A: Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela have inspired me because of their incredible courage and perseverance to stand up for civil rights under colossal adversity.