Alumni Interview Series

Darrin Emerick (BBA ’82, MBA ’86) began his academic journey at UMKC as an engineering student, but soon realized his true calling lay elsewhere. “After one semester, I realized engineering wasn’t for me and switched majors to political science,” Emerick recalls. This change led him to a pivotal moment. “I took an elective business course in human resources management which helped drive my decision to switch majors to business administration and work in human resources.”

Upon graduation, Emerick’s career took off when his college employer offered him a job as an accounting supervisor. He swiftly moved into HR, working at a bank while pursuing an MBA at UMKC. His career progressed from HR Consultant to Director of Recruiting and then to various senior HR roles across the country, culminating in his position as Chief Personnel Officer at a Seattle-based international law firm. After retiring in 2018, Darrin continued to consult for organizations that pique his interest, something he continues to do today.

Emerick’s time at UMKC was marked by impactful professors who shaped his approach to the field. “Three professors had a significant impact on my time at Bloch,” he said. One professor’s engaging storytelling nurtured his desire to learn, while another honed his strategic thinking skills. A third professor in the MBA program challenged him with rigorous assignments, developing his time management skills—a trait Emerick still values.

Networking has been instrumental in Emerick’s career. He recounts how a connection from his undergraduate days led to his first HR Consultant role. His approach to networking includes maintaining personal connections and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. “Building a professional network is critical. Taking an interest in a person goes a long way in developing the relationship.”

In hindsight, Emerick reflects on the balance between education and practical experience. “Education provides an opportunity to learn. Working provides an opportunity to develop,” he observes. He encourages students to embrace both successes and failures as essential parts of their growth journey.

Darrin Emerick’s career journey exemplifies how passion, adaptability, and continuous learning can lead to success in human resources. His story is not just about a career in HR but about crafting a meaningful and impactful professional life.

For students interested in a career in HR, he offers this advice: “Human Resources professionals will always be in demand, and it’s a field you can always continue to grow. One of the most rewarding aspects of working in HR allows you the opportunity to have a significant influence on your organization, especially its culture.”

By: Payton Covert (she/her), Alumni Director

UMKC Alumni Relations