Listen and LERn: The LER Podcast

Internship Preparation: Behind the Scenes at PepsiCo

On May 23rd, Reese Hogan takes you behind the scenes of her first week as an HRBP Intern with PepsiCo (Frito-Lay) in St. Louis, MO! She reflects on key experiences from attending the PepsiCo North America People’s Conference, sitting in on grievance meetings, and going on a route ride with a Frito-Lay Route Sales Specialist (RSS). In addition, she also provides a recap of the “Tools to Prep for Your Internship as an Early Professional” workshop from late April, featuring Christine Lock and Sarah Cook from Pentair. They shared their advice on how to succeed in your internship - be curious, ask questions, and build meaningful relationships. Whether you're starting an internship or already in one, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you succeed! For those listening, keep sending in your internship photos and experiences!

LER in the Classroom: Collective Bargaining in Action

On April 29th, Reese Hogan was joined by her classmates - Destiny Ortega, Alessandra Beth Kurian, and Ava Charity - from Professor Riordan’s LER 542: Collective Bargaining course. The group discussed the case study they developed throughout the semester. Together, they explored the role of LiUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America) as a construction union, examined the broader history and evolution of collective bargaining, and reflected on insights gained from their personal interviews. Perspectives from Hector Ortega (General Superintendent and member of LiUNA) and Kristina ‘Krissy’ Webber (Business Manager and Recording Secretary for United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers - Local Union 97), this conversation brings real-world experiences into focus, offering a deeper understanding of labor-management relations in today’s workplace.

A Closer Look at LER: Programs, Student Experience, and Next Steps

On March 5th, Reese Hogan sat down with Maddie Wilson, Assistant Director of Student Recruitment and Strategic Outreach, to share everything a prospective student needs to know about the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Maddie provided an overview of the MHRIR, Online MHRIR, and PhD programs. They highlight key opportunities across each path - from hands-on recruitment experiences to career growth and research - while also offering insight into what life in LER looks like and how to take the next step in the application process. For more information about the School of LER, please visit ler.illinois.edu [https://ler.illinois.edu/].

Seattle Student TraveLER

In this episode, Reese Hogan sits down with her classmates - Lucy Moss, Tamia Roberts, and Lauren Meier - about their LER trip to Seattle, WA, in January 2026. They talk about what they learned from meeting with HR professionals at Boeing, the University of Washington, Amazon, and Zillow, as well as some of their favorite moments exploring the city. The students also share why this trip is such a great opportunity and why future LER students should attend it during their time in the program.

Meet Our Podcast Host!

In this episode, Reese Hogan introduces herself as the new podcast host of Listen and LERn. She briefly discusses her upbringing as a military child in the southern outer banks of North Carolina, moving to the Midwest, what to expect on the podcast this semester, and her love for the School of Labor and Employment Relations. Please reach out to her at reesech2@illinois.edu with any comments or topics of interest you would like to hear her discuss this semester!