In the media, Human Resources tends to be portrayed in one of two ways: the boring guy who loves filling out paperwork (Toby, from The Office); or the mean guy who loves to fire people (Catbert, from the Dilbert comic strips). Heather Brooks does not fall into either category. Heather is passionate about what she does; and it’s clear when she talks about her job.
Starting at Robert Half International’s recruiting firm straight out of college, Heather quickly learned that being a saleswoman was not for her. On client visits, she found herself enjoying interacting with people more than selling them on Robert Half’s services. During one visit with Paytrust, Heather spoke with an HR employee who recognized Heather’s ability to connect with people and suggested that she come work for them instead.
So Heather left Robert Half International and started working at Paytrust in the Human Resources department. Paytrust was a startup, so there weren’t many other employees; Heather was able to be exposed to many aspects of HR. “I did research on policy making, I did a lot of recruiting events, I did a ton of hiring and background checks, drug screenings; I was like a one-woman show.” She was able to experiment in her position and have her voice heard. Unfortunately, the company lost investing capital, and Heather left after a few years in search for a new HR position.
Enter: Thomas Edison State University. Heather accepted an entry-level position in the HR department, saying
“I just had a feeling about this place.”
TESU offered Heather the opportunity to get her master’s and to grow in a way that her other positions hadn’t. Working here, she had the freedom to try new things and to connect with people from every department.
During her 16 years at Thomas Edison, Heather has held every position in the office of Human Resources. The key to longevity?
“If you have the will and the want, then you’re going to seek knowledge; you’re going to continue to develop yourself.”
To that, she adds that TESU is unlike any company she’s worked at. There’s a friendly and welcoming culture here that is hard to find elsewhere.
Anyone who knows Heather can tell how much she loves her job. Talking to her about it, I could hear passion in her voice and see it on her face as she said “I feel like I’m living my life’s purpose.” She recognizes that not everything in her job is pleasant, but said
“in the grand scheme of it all, I [Heather] love helping people be successful at their jobs; I love the mission of our institutions (not just the University, but the State Library and the Talking Book and Braille Center).”
She’s excited to be working with such good people and citizens - many of whom she calls friends. Whether you need professional advice, someone to talk to, or fashion advice, Heather will welcome you into her office with a warm smile.
Heather Brooks is the Director of Human Resources at Thomas Edison State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and her master’s from TESU. Heather is a mother to her 2-year old daughter and 3 stepdaughters. Heather can be contacted at hbrooks@tesu.edu.
Comments