STEM Candidate Branches Out
Engineer refocuses career to embrace a passion for advocacy
As a Human Resource (HR) Generalist I touch just about every aspect of the function – recruiting, compensation and benefits, employee engagement, organizational design, and the like. The role is a perfect fit for my supportive personality, but initially my career was along a very different path.
I’ve always been good at finding simple solutions to complex problems, and I was a strong student in math and science. So, after earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, I explored STEM opportunities.
My professional career began with a major consumer foods manufacturer known for breakfast cereals, baking mixes, and other retail food products. I worked in several roles with the company, ultimately rising to Senior Packaging Engineer.
I enjoyed the work, but I’ve always had a passion for people (I originally wanted to be an elementary school teacher like my mom), so I complemented my engineering career by becoming involved in employee organizations. I served as a committee member for the company’s largest employee network group, and eventually became president. I attribute the work I did during this time with developing my passion for Human Resources, since my responsibilities included advocating on behalf of our members.
Leading the employee group made me realize I could have an impactful career doing that type of work full-time. While Engineering always presented me a complex issue to solve, there wasn’t as much fulfillment for me personally, and Human Resources seemed like a better fit.
After joining the STANLEY® Engineered Fastening team almost three years ago and as part of my new role with Elu, employee engagement and advocacy are part of the work I do every day. I currently support the Elu organization as the Sr. Human Resources Business Partner. My position involves listening to my team and advocating for their interests, so they can do their best work and be their best selves each day.
No matter how technologically savvy and advanced we become, I strongly believe there is nothing we can ever design or build that will be more powerful than a human being.– Carla Mills
As an HR practitioner, I now have the ability to leverage technology, think innovatively, and evolve with the world around me while maintaining the personal element with the employees I support. I believe our people should always be our “why” with our technological advances as our “how.” No matter how technologically savvy and advanced we become, I strongly believe there is nothing we can ever design or build that will be more powerful than a human being.
At Stanley Black & Decker I get to utilize my unique talents to help bring out the unique talents in others. I’m so thankful that my career path has brought me to this opportunity, as I believe it to be the best time within my career.
If you’re a problem-solving people person like me, check out the opportunities available within Stanley Black & Decker – I think it might lead to the best time within your career, too.