Actively involved with campus groups and organizations, Shannon Foley '13 enjoyed helping other people reach their full potential. Visits to the Student Professional Development Center helped Foley on her own career journey to The Advisory Board Company.
As a business administration major with a concentration in international business, Shannon Foley ’13 often found fulfillment on campus by helping her friends and classmates achieve their own academic and professional goals.
So it wasn’t a surprise when Foley discovered from the Student Professional Development Center that a career in human resources aligned with her desires to assist others. Rather, it was more of a validation.
Today a staff member for The Advisory Board Company in Washington, D.C., Foley credits online career and personality assessments, as well as influential mentors in the SPDC, with steering her toward her first job out of college as a human resources staffer in the global research, technology and consulting firm.
Foley is the latest person to be featured during the 2014-15 academic year in a series of E-net profiles on the successes of students and alumni who have used the Student Professional Development Center to find job and internship openings, help with graduate school placements, or prepare for interviews and improve applications with guidance from staff.
The New Jersey native answered questions recently from the SPDC about her experience.
Tell me about the company and your role as an employee.
The Advisory Board Company is a global research, technology and consulting firm partnering with leaders and organizations across health care and higher education. I am working in human resources as a Training and Development Senior Associate on the Training and Development team. I assist in leading Firmwide Orientation for all new hires; running ABC U, our internal university for staff to gain technical skills, learn about new products and firm strategy, and develop soft skills like leadership and communication; various employee engagement initiatives; and Firmwide communication. I also manage the Firmwide staff anniversary program.
How did your interest in the position develop?
My interest in the position stemmed from my various experiences and organizations I was involved in while at Elon. I have always loved helping others discover their passion and I personally have always had an interest in professional development. The organizations I was involved in while at Elon allowed me to mentor, train and lead my peers and that is something I knew I wanted to continue.
What have you learned from the experience?
My experience at The Advisory Board Company has been invaluable, but I have to say that attending Elon and utilizing the SPDC has made the transition from a student to a full-time employee seamless. I have been able to sharpen my communication, time management and organizational skills as well as effectively prioritize responsibilities.
With whom did you work in the Student Professional Development Center to prepare for your career, and what help did you receive?
I worked with several great advisors including Kim Giles, Jane Mehringer, Pam Brumbaugh, Debby Wall and Rene Jackson, who all helped me with my professional development. They assisted me with my job search, various assessments including Myers Briggs and the STRONG Interest Inventory, and with exploring my interest in human resources and professional development.
How do you think you’ll use the Student Professional Development Center’s services as an alumna?
I plan on continuing my relationship with the center and staff, registering as a mentor for current Elon students and networking with students looking for a career in my field or at my company.
What recommendations would you share with other students about the Student Professional Development Center?
I recommend students take advantage of the center starting as early as their freshman year. There are a plethora of resources available to help students including the C2C program, which helps students work towards their career goals as soon as they get to campus. It is never too early to think about where Elon can take you!