Rockstar Recruiter Spotlight: Rachel Graham, University and Diversity Recruiter at Lenovo
Rachel Graham represents the best in talent acquisition, and is what all Campus Recruiters aspire to be – a jack of all trades. As a University Recruiter for Lenovo, she recruits for early-career roles, rotational programs, and internships in all career areas. She also assists in running their summer internship program, works with the social media team to share relevant content with employees, and works with the business to support diverse hiring.
Rachel’s responsibilities go way beyond sourcing and recruiting: She is a project manager, program developer, diversity advocate, mentor, and creative storyteller. RippleMatch has gotten to know Rachel through her encouraging LinkedIn presence, as well as her participation in our events and initiatives. She is often one of the first, if not THE first person to speak up and start dialogues with both candidates and recruiters in her network on a number of different topics. A 2019 graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we believe that Rachel is the future of Campus Recruiting, a creative innovator who always wants the best for her candidates. We spoke to Rachel about her love for the world of Campus, and how she would advise others who are considering a career in early career recruitment:
RM: What’s something that you love about early career recruitment?
R: Being involved with early-career recruitment allows me to hire new grads into their dream roles, share expertise on how they can get the most out of their careers, and provide opportunities that are truly life-changing. The candidates we hire are mostly Gen Z, so understanding the unique needs of the next generation of employees is more important than ever.
RM: If you were encouraging an early career candidate to become a recruiter, what would you tell them about the job/career?
R: This job is all about working with people! Externally, talking with candidates and providing the best experience possible. Internally, working with shareholders such as hiring managers, leaders, human resource partners and more are equally as important. It can be unpredictable, but it is so rewarding. If you're recruiting for a company, make sure you believe in what the company stands for, since you will be selling the company to candidates as well.
RM: What makes early career recruitment special and different from experienced hire recruiting?
R: Early-career recruitment puts you in a unique position where you may be offering someone their first big job. Taking the time to walk them through different benefits and what that means to them, as well as providing insight to joining the company is what can make the experience special to a candidate. In life, that first job at a great company can open doors for them all through their career, and you get to make that happen. Don't take that position for granted!
*RippleMatch is recognizing standout individuals in talent acquisition through our D&I Champion, Program Innovator, Outstanding Leader, and Rockstar Recruiter spotlights. Do you or any other standout individuals want to be recognized? Submit your information through the links above so we can reach out.
