What I’ve Learned Leading 20,000 Black HR Professionals—And What You Need to Know to Grow

When I founded Black In HR, I was just one of many Black professionals navigating HR alone—trying to level up, break through, and be seen. I created the community I needed. What started as an idea has grown into a network of over 20,000 Black HR professionals across North America, Africa, and Europe.

Along the way, I’ve learned a lot—about the field, about people, and about what really works. I've coached professionals at every level, heard their stories, and watched careers shift in real time.

We’ve polled leaders from companies like Google, Deloitte, Meta, Amazon, and more. We’ve placed people in roles they didn’t think they were qualified for. We’ve helped members increase their salaries by tens of thousands of dollars. And we’ve created a model that works—because we know HR. We are HR.

Now, I want to share what we’ve learned. Because there’s a lot of noise out there—and this is the truth.

1. HR Is an Experience-Driven Industry. Period.

Degrees are great—but they don’t replace lived experience. You can have all the MBAs in the world, but if you can’t execute, the industry will pass you by.

If you're just starting out, invest in practical, real-world experience over more classroom time. And if you’re set on more education, don’t go into debt for it. Let your employer pay for it. SHRM found that 61% of employers offer tuition assistance. Use it.

2. Can’t Get In? Build a Door.

I tell people this every day: you don’t need a big-name internship to gain experience. You need to get creative and get moving.

Volunteer at a small business. Help a friend’s startup manage employee files. Reach out to a local nonprofit and offer to run basic recruiting or onboarding tasks. That’s real experience—and it counts.

3. You Don’t Just Need a Coach—You Need an HR Coach.

You don’t need a generalist. You need a coach who knows this field, the language, the strategy, the internal politics.

That’s why we built Black In HR Coaching—to connect you with professionals who’ve done what you’re trying to do and can help you navigate it with clarity and confidence. Most people have to figure this stuff out the hard way. You don’t have to.

4. Certifications Don’t Move the Needle at Entry Level.

Certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR are great assets—but if you’re brand new with no experience, they won’t fast-track your income or your job offer.

Focus first on the experience. Get in the door. Then use certs to level up, not break in.

5. Your Circle Shapes Your Ceiling.

I say this with love: your friends who don’t work in HR can’t guide your HR career.

You need to be around people who challenge your thinking, speak the language, and open doors. That’s what this community does. Join our Facebook group, connect on GroupMe, show up to events, and build the network that builds you back.

6. Stop Leaving Money on the Table.

Some of our members hit six figures in under 4 years. You know why? They didn’t stay stuck.

Job-hopping strategically can lead to 20%+ salary increases, while staying in one place often caps you at 3–5% annually. You are more valuable to your next employer than you are to your current one. Act accordingly.

 7. The App Is the Power Move.

If you’re not inside the Black In HR app, you’re missing the tools that are moving careers forward right now.

Our app gives you access to:

• Curated job opportunities with recruiter emails

• Affinity Groups that match your identity and goals

• City Chapters for local connection

• Live and on-demand Masterclasses

• Career tools, coaching, and monthly themes that keep you sharp and focused

We don’t just post jobs—we go out, find them, and bring them back to the community.

The app is your career command center. It’s where our members network, learn, and land new roles every week.

🛤️ You’re Not Stuck. You Just Need the Right Strategy.

This field can be tough. There’s a lot of gatekeeping, confusion, and flat-out misinformation. But you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building your HR career with real strategy, we’re here to help.

Book a free consultation with one of our coaches at TheBlackInHR.com and step into a career that reflects your value, your voice, and your future.

We are Black In HR. And we’re building more than careers—we’re building legacy.

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