NCCC Success Story

Hometown
San Diego, Calif., currently living and working in Burlington, Vt.

Degree programs
Bachelor of Science, Applied Arts and Science, 2006
Masters of Science, Human Resources Development, 2008

Place of employment
IBM

Job title and work responsibilities
I am a human resources business partner for IBM’s U.S. Northeast location, and in that capacity I work closely with the company’s executive teams to proactively address business and human resource issues. Some of my projects involve developing retention strategies for employees with critical skills, working with managers to forecast strategic workforce planning needs and helping to design action plans and development projects for new hires and diversity employees. I also represent the IBM HR community at a variety of educational and outreach-focused community activities and serve as a diversity representative for the Vermont HR Team to promote a more diverse and accessible workforce at IBM’s Vermont location.

Last fall, I was back at RIT as part of a team of IBM employment recruiters who attended the NTID Job Fair and talked with students and reviewed resumes and interviewed many students looking for summer co-ops. We’ve hired two students for summer 2011.

How my career relates to my degree from RIT/NTID
Mentors at RIT were wonderful and taught me how to be a self-starter, work hard and take the initiative, all assets in my field, or really any field.  While on internships at Siemens in Boston and NBC Universal in Los Angeles, I gained a strong understanding of how human resource departments operate and function, both in the public and private sectors.

Advice
Transitioning from college to work is a big adjustment in life, and sometimes what you have learned in the classroom isn’t exactly what you will be doing in your new job. Take some time to learn your employer’s business strategy and how to apply it in your job role. Having a good networking base is a valuable tool to support your job effectively and help you find the right resources that you need to succeed. And, go for the good impression. Solid handwriting and communication skills create a good impression, just like a good handshake does when you meet someone for the first time.