Promoted this summer to the position of HR Director with the local NBC station in Los Angeles (KNBC), Jose Andino is adjusting to the warm weather. LA is a long way from the “tough neighborhoods” in Brooklyn that Andino grew up in. One of four children, he was raised by his mother, a single parent, who made sure that the children always went to school, and encouraged Andino to be confident and reach his goals.

Coming to Cornell might have been a diffcult cultural adjustment, but Andino thrived on the changes. The diversity of students he encountered was “the best experience any person could hope for,” and he still maintains strong friendships from his Cornell days. Involvement in MILRSO (Minorities in Industrial and Labor Relations Student Organization) provided opportunities for mentorship, but Andino wishes that he had known more about the strong ILR alumni network when he was an undergrad. Now in the working world, Andino recognizes that “Cornell ILR alumni are a powerful and influential group.”

Like many students, Andino’s career interests were various. “What made the difference for me were the internships during college,” he shares. “During these internships I learned the basic and necessary skills within human resources and quickly realized that I liked the work.” After graduation, Andino worked with Darden Restaurants (of Olive Garden fame) and ARAMARK before getting involved in media broadcasting at CNN and CNBC. His current position is particularly appealing to Andino because it involves working with unionized anchors and reporters. He maintains involvement in several professional organizations, including the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Association of Black Journalists, and participates in the Society of Human Resource Professionals.

Andino credits his education with helping to pave a smoother career path. “Cornell and ILR open doors; ILR is definitely recognized as a top school within the Human Resources profession.” As an ILR graduate, Andino notes, “It feels good to know that in virtually any company you work for in corporate America, you can be sure that there is an ILRie near the top of that company that you can network with.”

—ILR Connections, Winter 2002

- Jose Andino, '90