EMBA Alumna Cari Kojima on the Benefits of Working in HR
Cari Kojima ’10 is one of the friendliest, most likeable people you will ever meet. She seems to always have a smile on her face and looks you directly in the eyes during conversations. The successful career she’s built in human resources is no accident – this girl was born to work with people. Cari is Director of Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility at Murad, the leading clinical skincare brand based in El Segundo. With nearly 15 years of experience in strategic planning, talent management, organizational development, employee relations, and compensation and benefits, it’s hard to believe a career in human resources wasn’t always on her radar.
Cari grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii and moved to Los Angeles to attend LMU for her undergraduate studies. Undecided at first, she took a Psychology 101 class and loved every aspect of it. She ended up graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1998 with plans to continue on to graduate school and eventually practice. Instead, she took a job working as a Human Resources Assistant at luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue. During her three years at Saks, she helped launch the opening of a new store in Palos Verdes (recruiting over 100 employees in three months), conducted orientation and training, and developed the recognition and rewards program. She was hooked.
“Once I started working in HR, I realized how much I loved it and knew it was something I wanted to pursue further,” said Cari. “Interestingly, my psychology background often comes in handy in HR because I’m constantly interacting with people and helping them navigate their professional paths.”
Today, Cari has fully immersed herself in the world of human resources. She is the Board Chair of Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) – South Bay District and a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Within the community, she serves on the Board of Mar Vista Family Center, a non-profit organization that provides low income families with quality early childhood education, youth enrichment and educational tools to create positive change. Additionally, she is actively involved with the Junior League of Los Angeles, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
And if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, Cari teaches an upper-division Human Resources Management Practicum course at LMU. Read on to learn how she says an MBA boosted her career, her exciting new role at Murad, and what she looks for when hiring an employee.
Why did you decide to get your MBA and why did you choose to return to LMU?
Honestly, getting my MBA is one of the last things I thought I would do, especially since I didn’t take a single business course during my undergraduate studies. However, after working for about a decade in HR, I realized I needed to enhance my business background and skillset. I chose to return to LMU because I had such a positive experience the first time around and have always felt at home here. The EMBA Program worked with my schedule, I loved the domestic and international trip components, and the ability to apply real-world experience in the classroom. I believe wholeheartedly in the Jesuit philosophy of educating the whole person and knew it would be the right program for me.
How valuable has an MBA been to your personal and professional growth?
The EMBA Program taught me a lot of what I expected to learn, such as finance, accounting, marketing, etc. but it also taught me a lot about what I didn’t expect – which I almost find to be more valuable. I learned how to work in a high-performing team, the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace, what my personal leadership style is, and time management skills. Overall, the value of the program has been tremendous as I was able to immediately apply my learnings to my work, and felt much more confident in doing so.
What do you like most about your job at Murad? What’s most challenging?
From a big picture perspective, I love that I can actually make a difference in the growth of the organization. I love finding the right people and helping to ensure that they are able to do what they do best each day. Murad has doubled in size since I started working there and it’s exciting to see how much has changed over the years. It’s the constant change – in the industry landscape, competition, economy, talent, etc. – that I find most challenging and exciting at the same time. It’s an incredible opportunity to be part of a company, founded by Dr. Murad 25 years ago, that continues to be at the forefront of innovation in the skincare industry.
Tell me more about your new CSR role at Murad?
Murad has always given back to the community, both financially and in volunteer hours. In fact, we give employees one day a month to volunteer at the charity of their choice. In the fall of 2013, I took on this new role of Corporate Social Responsibility, which has given me the opportunity to tie in all of our efforts and align them with our corporate strategy to create shared business and social value.
How did the opportunity to teach at LMU come about?
I was very fortunate to be invited to teach the Human Resource Management Practicum course by Dr. Charlie Vance. I’ve taken students on several site visits to companies such as the LA Clippers and TOMS Shoes so they can see firsthand how HR Departments function in action. This course has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Students at LMU are bright, motivated and good-natured. Even though I’m the one teaching the course, I have learned so much from them – which I’ve been able to apply to my own work.
As HR Director, what are the top skills or qualities you look for when hiring an employee?
I believe that anyone can acquire skills and knowledge. I look for people who are passionate, teachable, conscientious, motivated to continually improve, and fit in with Murad’s entrepreneurial culture. Since things are constantly changing and different skillsets will be required over time, it’s the individual’s responsibility to make it a priority to stay on top (if not ahead) of trends and come to work with a positive, can-do attitude.
How do you find time in your busy schedule to volunteer and be active in non-profit organizations?
I simply make time to do the things that I love and feel are important. It’s great to build a strong and authentic network of people to call friends, while making a difference in the community. Being involved in these organizations is a wonderful way to be connected to both the HR and broader LA communities.
You’ve already accomplished so much. What’s next for you personally or professionally?
This is a tough one. There is a lot I want to do and I am always open to the next unexpected invitation or surprise. In the end, though, if I feel that I am living a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally – I am satisfied. I am so grateful for the opportunities in my life thus far and for whatever happens next!