Capstone Project Implemented by Corporation

The capstone project at the heart of the EMHRM experience was a cornerstone of Meg Kulkarni’s academic experience. Three years later, it is contributing to her organization’s bottom line.

Kennametal adopted the HR Robotic Process Automation initiative Kulkarni conceptualized and developed during the 15-month ILR program. 

Six automations handling frequent, repetitive and mundane HR tasks delivered more than 2,000 hours of time savings annually, the equivalent of one full-time position. More than 35 additional automation ideas are slated for implementation, said Kulkarni, who manages HR Technology, project management office and analytics for her team.

She had worked at Kennametal for seven years when she began looking for an academic program to enhance her future. The EMHRM curriculum fit the structure of her work and aligned with her schedule.

It has proven a good choice, Kulkarni said

“The experience I gained allowed me to develop a strategic vision and deliver on the results for the various functions I have led since has opened doors for me and helped me establish my own brand within the organization.”

Ryan Halverson, MILR ’05, who teaches in the EMHRM program, and Bradford Bell, ILR’s William J. Conaty Professor in Strategic Human Resources and the director of the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies, were among the resources Kulkarni tapped as she made her way through the program.

“What I valued most were the insights gained from conversations with professors and industry experts on-site. The time spent on campus was invaluable for networking, participating in simulations, and receiving guidance on our capstone projects.”