RippleMatch is proud to recognize Nicole Furnia, the Director of University Relations, Early Career and Employer Branding - US & Americas at ABB, as an Outstanding Leader in the Campus Recruiting Community!
Nicole began her career in talent acquisition 11 years ago. While she started out in staffing and the insurance industry, once she had her first experience in campus recruiting events she knew she wanted to pursue a career in that space. Since then, Nicole has spent time in early talent-related roles within the banking industry, logistics and manufacturing, and engineering industries — and eventually landed an exciting opportunity at ABB.
“I wanted to return to a global company with complexities, and to take on a role that stretched beyond my previous experiences,” Nicole said. “The focus and need for early talent at ABB is evident. The leaders are engaged with these hiring and program needs, and the company is ready to make meaningful changes and enhancements in these areas.”
Read on to learn more about what motivates Nicole today, her advice for recruiters just stepping into the field, and which major news outlet she was quoted in earlier this year.
RP: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
NF: Spending the last 11 years in this industry, I have probably faced all of the typical challenges one faces in early talent and university relations. When COVID-19 hit, I had the opportunity to re-work an entire on-campus recruiting and interviewing strategy to make it work from a virtual standpoint, but still achieve the expected diversity and hiring metrics.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with great teams along the way. Team members who were flexible and adapted to these unique situations were key. My teams during this time period were probably sick of hearing me say, “we have to be flexible and adaptable!,” but we did it.
RP: What has been your proudest professional accomplishment to date?
NF: I take pride in being considered an expert in this field. I had the opportunity to be quoted in a Wall Street Journal article earlier this year, which was a first for me. As a former journalist, that was a really cool experience. I love it when colleagues reach out to benchmark and chat about ideas, or ways to improve in certain areas. It also gives me an opportunity to learn new and innovative ways of doing this work. I also enjoy the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience by speaking at conferences and events and getting involved in committees and groups, as my schedule allows.
RP: What motivates you today professionally?
NF: First and foremost, my family motivates me professionally. I want to improve on a daily basis, I enjoy being challenged each day. It also gives me an opportunity to teach my children about learning, being challenged, and working hard. It might sound cliché, but it's important for my family and kids to see that I enjoy what I do, that I work hard, but I also have the opportunity to spend time with them and integrate work and personal life together. Honestly, in my past experiences it was not always like this, and I did not always manage work this way, but I have made more of a focused effort to do this and be a part of an organization that values this.
RP: What advice would you give to someone newer to the talent acquisition space?
NF: Because this space has changed so much in the last 2+ years, you must be flexible and adaptable. Meet students where they are, find out how they want to engage with companies, and do that. Use the research and resources available to you to seek out new and creative ways of doing this, and bring those ideas to the table.
*RippleMatch is recognizing standout individuals in talent acquisition through our D&I Champion, Program Innovator, and Outstanding spotlights. Know any standout individuals who should be recognized? Please submit their info through this survey.