Life as a Human Resources Manager in Training
My name is Kaye Herbert. I recently graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a concentration in Human Resources and began my career with Compass Group as an HR Manager in Training.
At NC State, I gained invaluable knowledge and experiences. While college laid the foundation to my success as a professional, I knew that I still had a lot to learn following graduation…that’s what lead me to the MIT Program at Compass. I wanted a job post-grad that would further my development across different areas of HR while allowing me to add value to the company.
MIT Program Overview/My Experience
Manager in Training (MIT) is an accelerated leadership development program. It offers a unique opportunity for me to broaden my knowledge of the human resources profession, develop myself personally and professionally, all while growing within a fantastic organization. During the two-year program, I am rotating through different areas of Human Resources. So far I have worked with the Compass National Recruitment Center (CNRC) and am currently working with Corporate Communications. I will also rotate through with other HR fields such as the HR Service Center, Learning & Development, and Field HR.
My Top 3 Job Search Tips
Whether you are a student, recent grad, or seasoned job searcher, these are the three things that helped me turn my job search into my dream job:
Stay organized
Job searching is much like tackling a school or work project. There are general time frames and many moving pieces to keep up with. During my job search, I kept a spreadsheet that detailed what companies I was interested in, jobs I submitted applications for, key dates (application submission dates, interview dates, etc.), company contacts, ways/opportunities to connect, and other general information about the companies. This allowed me to plan my time when it came to networking and applying and keep track of progress I had made.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone
Not just during the job search process, but also when accepting a job offer. Networking is a key part of the job search process and it can also be a scary part. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who you don’t know well. When it comes to considering which job you will accept, don’t be afraid to consider options that are outside your comfort zone. I never saw myself working at a food and support services company, but entering a field that was outside of what I thought I wanted ending up being the best decision for me.
Keep your head up
As you apply for multiple jobs, you will get turned away a time or two. First off, do not take this personally. There are various reasons companies make the hiring decisions they do. It does not mean they did not like you or that you weren’t good enough. While it may be a disappointment to you, take it as a sign that you can find a job that is a better fit for you in the long run. Use any feedback you receive to improve yourself.
To learn more about the Compass MIT program click here.