Employee Spotlight Series: Amethyst Kurtz - University Relations / Talent Acquisition Specialist

Can you tell us about your journey into Talent Acquisition, particularly focusing on how you became interested in University Relations??

I started out in marketing, but my interest in recruiting grew after I joined a former colleague at a career fair and found myself loving the experience. When AWI had an opening in recruiting for their college programs – a role that combined event management and marketing, skills I already had – I jumped at the opportunity. It's been a fantastic career change for me; I've always loved talking to people, so recruiting felt like a natural fit. AWI has been incredibly supportive and I'm proud to say I just celebrated my 5-year anniversary this month!

On National Interns Day, could you share the importance of internship programs??

Internship programs are key for AWI as they help us build a strong talent pipeline. We have a high conversion rate, with many interns becoming full-time employees. The relationships our interns form often lead to long-term stays at AWI.

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How does effective recruitment contribute to the overall success of an organization??

Our talent acquisition team is vital at AWI, handling recruitment across all levels and departments. We prioritize diversity of thought by seeking out unique individuals with diverse backgrounds. Ensuring a positive candidate experience is central to our approach and we're always refining our processes to achieve that goal.

What are some of the unique challenges and rewards you encounter when recruiting??

Recruiting is always changing and brings something new each day. One moment, I might be managing multiple job openings – the next, I could be finalizing offers.

A significant challenge we face is keeping up with evolving job market trends. We make a point to attend webinars focused on university recruitment to stay informed. Each new generation entering the workforce has its own set of expectations and needs, so staying updated on these trends is vital for our recruitment efforts.

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Can you share your favorite memory or success story from your experience in talent acquisition??

One of my favorite things is seeing all my hires start in the summer. After nearly nine months of reaching out to them, it's rewarding to finally see them begin their career here. I try to be a familiar face to them because starting a new job can be nerve-wracking! It's great to watch them make friends and become part of AWI. Seeing some of my hires move up to supervisor or management roles is especially fulfilling for me.