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Master of Human Resources

MHR Alumni Spotlight


Billiott Susan

"Graduating from the University of South Carolina's MHR program was the critical first step in building a successful career in Human Resources. The challenging academic curriculum, coupled with the hands-on internship opportunity, proved to be successful in preparing me to take on a great deal of responsibility quickly and  have an immediate impact on my organization. Anyone seriously considering a career in Human Resources should make getting accepted into this program a priority. "   Susan Billiot, MHR 1994

Susan's Bio

Educational Background
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration,
University of South Carolina 1993, Cum Laude
Double Major: Marketing and Management

Prior Work Experience
I entered the graduate program the summer after I received my undergraduate degree. This was a key decision that has truly propelled my career further. I knew upon the completion of my undergraduate degree that I wanted to be the Sr. VP of Human Resources for a Fortune 500 company in the future. In order to make that a reality, I knew that I needed to enter the workforce with my master's degree in human resources to give me a head start in achieving my ultimate goal. The graduate internship afforded me the opportunity to gain very valuable work experience in labor relations during my studies at USC.
 
Inter nship Experience
I did my internship at Bally's Park Place Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. I had a phenomenal opportunity to actually fill in as the labor relations manager in a 5,000-employee faciltiy for the summer when the LR manager was on maternity leave. During that time I was the company's representative in all union grievances, handled contract interpretation for managers, conducted internal investigations of misconduct, reviewed all terminations, and assisted the labor relations director with contract negotiations and arbitrations. I was given the autonomy and authority to do the job from Day One, and it was a tremendous learning opportunity.
 
Career Progress
Immediately upon graduation from the MHR program ( in December 1994), I accepted a position as Employee Relations Manager with Continental Airlines in Houston, Texas. In that role I was the only HR person for the 5,000-plus Reservations Division and worked directly with the Division Vice President. After one year in that role I was promoted to Sr. Services Airport Operations team. Six months later I was promoted to Director of Human Resources for Continental's largest hub in Houston. In that role I functioned as an HR generalist with primary responsibilities for employee relations and union avoidance.

In October 1997, I accepted a position in Orlando, Florida, as Director of Employee Relations for all of Red Lobster's U.S. operations. In this role I led a team of 7 people in providing all employee relations support to over 60,000 restaurant and corporate employees. Key responsibilities included employee relations, union avoidance, dispute resolution/compliance and development of recognition programs.

In March 1999, I joined Sysco Corporation in Houston, Texas, as Director of Human Resources & Compensation. I was promoted to Sr. Director of Human Resources and EEO in September 2000. I am currently responsible for leading our corporate human resources team and overseeing all aspects of corporate compensation, recruiting and retention, leadership development, employee relations/work/climate, recognition, affirmative action/EEO/compliance, etc. I also provide support to each of our field HR professionals in our 65-plus facilities across the country and in portions of Canada.  As the largest  foodservice marketing and distribution organization in North America, Sysco Corporation has more than 40,000 employees and 356 customers.