HR by Experience - Not by Accident
Kayln Ragsdale - Contributing Writer, Catrice HR & HR Management Professional, BCM Law P.C
Like many great stories, mine started in high school. I joined an incredible program called the All-Stars Project: Development School for Youth (DSY), a leadership and development program that connects young people from underserved communities with professional development, training, and real-world business experience. Through workshops and mentorship, the DSY prepared me for my first summer internship...and that’s where everything changed.
I was placed at the law firm Riley Safer Holmes & Cancilla LLP as a summer intern. I started off as a receptionist, answering phones and greeting guests. I was eager to help and always ready to learn. These traits were noticed, and as time went on, I stepped into new roles, first as an Office Clerk, then as a Human Resources Assistant, positions I never imagined I would find myself in as an intern.”
One day, the HR Manager was preparing for maternity leave, and I was asked to step in temporarily. I had zero HR experience and had never once considered it as a career option. But I said yes. I learned on the go, asked questions, made mistakes, and kept pushing forward. What started as “just helping out” turned into something I was genuinely good at, and, to my surprise, something I actually loved.
For three years, I served as the go-to HR person at the firm. Officially I was an assistant, but functionally I was the HR Manager. I handled onboarding, benefits, payroll, compliance and more. That experience prepared me to take the next step in my career.
Today, I am the HR Coordinator (acting as an HR Manager) at BCM Law, P.C., a mid-sized law firm specializing in workers' compensation law and insurance defense. I am a department of one handling all HR functions. I manage everything from hiring and compliance to employee relations and culture building. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding.
Outside of work, I stay connected to the program that launched my journey. I volunteer with the All Stars and proudly serve on their Alumni Leadership Council, helping other young people find their voice and their path, just like I did.
As if a full time, demanding job was not enough, I’m also pursuing my degree in Political Science. I continue to grow personally and professionally; showing others they too can succeed in HR without having the degree already.
This blog is my space to reflect on the journey, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully support others navigating their own path in HR (planned or not). Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, I’m glad you’re here.
Let’s grow together.