Overview
Overview
This live-virtual course, Elevating Your HR Influence Using Data, targets skill development in critical thinking, finding data insights, data visualization, and storytelling with data. During the live-virtual program led by Cornell ILR HR faculty, participants will:
- Learn frameworks that link people and HR data to business outcomes
- Apply course concepts to a real-life case
- Practice the process of moving from raw data to insights and action
- Engage in network-building with other CAHRS partner organizations through team-based casework
Who Should Attend?
The program is designed for HR professionals with 5-8 years of experience who advise business leaders on critical workforce issues and who want to increase their impact and influence using data.
Sample titles: HR Business Partners, HR Generalists, HR Directors, HR Managers
Considerations When Nominating a Participant
The ideal participants should:
Have a general understanding of data concepts and is comfortable using some data visualization tools and Excel but does not have in-depth knowledge of advanced data analysis techniques, programming languages, or statistical concepts and would benefit from training to strengthen skills in:
- Critical thinking
- Finding data insights
- Data visualization
- Storytelling using data
Be available to attend and actively participate in all live sessions. This is a hands-on learning program, and casework builds from week to week, resulting in a team presentation during the final session.
Be encouraged to bring the program learnings back to the organization. Examples of this may include a post-program follow-up discussion with the nominating manager, lunch and learn or report out with the team, etc.
- Sessions meet for 90 minutes once weekly for 5 weeks
- Additional readings and activities outside of sessions may be assigned
- Total of ~ 12 hours of time over 5 weeks / ~ 2-3 hours commitment per week
Agenda
Sept 10 – Oct 8, 2025
SESSION 1
SEPT 10: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
- Overview: Influencing with data
- Framing questions and scoping problems
- Alignment framework
- Introduction of Case Assignment: Part 1
SESSION 2
SEPT 17: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
- Data types and sources
- Role of metrics vs. insights
- Drawing inferences/ insights
- Case Assignment: Part 2
SESSION 3
SEPT 24: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
- Role of data visualization
- “Before and after” examples
- Storytelling with data
- Case Assignment: Part 3
SESSION 4
OCT 1:10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST
- Faculty office hours and Team working session to prepare for final presentations
SESSION 5
OCT 8:
Section A: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST or
Section B: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST
- Team case presentations
- Reflection, feedback, and key takeaways discussion
- Program wrap-up