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Careers at Hewitt: Learn about the Keys to Success at Hewitt Associates
Human Resource outsourcing and consulting--The Hewitt way.
Nellie J. Myers, Client Development at Hewitt Associates joins us to share her expertise and career advice. Ms. Myers responsibilities include overseeing a staff of five client managers. These client managers have responsibility for 40+ relationships representing annual revenues of $50+ million. She shares her keys to success...read the interview....
About Hewitt Associates:
Hewitt Associates is a global outsourcing and consulting firm delivering a complete range of human capital management services to companies including; HR and Benefits Outsourcing, HR Strategy and Technology, Health Care, Organizational Change, Retirement and Financial Management, and Talent and Reward Strategies. The firm provides services for 91 offices in 39 countries.
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Tell us briefly about your company, your area of expertise and responsibilities:
Hewitt Associates is a world leader in providing human resources outsourcing and consulting services. Our primary goal is to enable companies to concentrate on their core processes, manage change, reduce costs and provide better tools and solutions for their employees, managers and human resources professionals. We offer integrated solutions and expertise in the administration of health care, retirement services, and talent and organizational services.
As a client group leader, my primary responsibilities include overseeing a staff of five client managers. These client managers have responsibility for 40+ relationships representing annual revenues of $50+ million.
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Describe a day in your professional life...
No two days are ever the same for me. As a manager, a good portion of my day includes participating in client strategy meetings or conference calls with members of my team and other subject matter experts. The clients we serve run the gamut of 1,500 to 250,000 lives. Our clients challenge us to develop creative, customized, integrated solutions. It is increasingly challenging to find these solutions because our clients are very cost conscious in today?s economic environment. Developing solutions to these problems is akin to completing a 500?1,000 piece puzzle. I derive my greatest pleasure from completing the puzzle and having a happy, satisfied client.
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How is technology impacting the nature of your work and how you do your work?
Technology is an essential tool of our business. We build our systems to manage very high volumes of transactions. The systems must link to our client and their outside vendors systems to ensure the process is working efficiently. We utilize our technology to gather and interpret data on behalf of our clients and their participants. This data is crucial for the clients to use to resolve their issues and timely for the participants to take actions in their benefit plans.
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Was there a lesson or skill learned from your first job that has been invaluable on your career path?
In my early career, I learned to embrace change and to see it as an opportunity to grow and stretch my abilities. So often, we see change as a deterrent to growth when, in fact, it is the opposite. Change is an opportunity to take risks, learn new skills, and meet new people. Each of these will help you build on your existing knowledge base and expand your network of people resources. We live in a world where change is constant, so step out and embrace it!
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What advice would you give to potential job applicants to help them succeed in the ever-changing global marketplace?
1. Find your passion; find the skills or task that makes your heart sing and build on that.
2. Be willing to seek your success on the road less traveled. Sometimes we can achieve greater success by taking on the tasks others may shy away from.
3. Embrace change. This will become your refuge. Just as you reach a point of boredom and complacency begins to set in, change will come. Embrace it like a very best friend.
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Are there any emerging trends in your industy/company that will impact your hiring criteria?
Our business has a strong concentration on people skills. We advise and consult with our clients on engaging and communicating with their employees. An individual considering employment with our firm should have deep knowledge of benefit plans. In addition, they must have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to interact with many layers of a company’s management team.
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Tell us about your Corporate Diversity/Women’s Programs:
Hewitt has a three-prong diversity strategy:
1. Embed diversity into our client offers. Design, offer and market employee benefits in ways that take into account the diverse needs and world views of different demographic groups in the workplace.
2. Embed diversity into our corporate social responsibility. Make our strategic thrust by partnering with community, academic, governmental and corporate organizations focused on increasing the pipeline of diverse talent.
3. Continue increasing minority representation at Hewitt. Attract, hire retain, and develop the best diverse talent. Focus on leader and manager roles.
The above goals are further reinforced through our support of affinity groups, celebration of various diverse holidays, community and volunteer project work.
We are in the process of developing a group called Women in Leadership (WIL). The primary purpose of this group is to identify, coach and assist in promoting viable qualified women talent within the organization. As a participant in this program, I am very excited about the contribution I will make to the associates, management and our clients.
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Adapt, Change, Grow!
"In my early career, I learned to embrace change and to see it as an opportunity to grow and stretch my abilities. So often, we see change as a deterrent to growth when, in fact, it is the opposite. Change is an opportunity to take risks, learn new skills, and meet new people. Each of these will help you build on your existing knowledge base and expand your network of people resources. We live in a world where change is constant, so step out and embrace it!" -- Nellie J. Myers |
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How do you maintain balance in your life? or Do you?!
Maintaining a balanced life is difficult. I truly enjoy my job and the time I spend with my coworkers. There are times when I need to recharge, and to do this, I am a believer in mini-vacations to spa resorts. Sometimes I will pack a light bag, take a good mystery to read, and steal away to a spa resort for a three-day retreat. This is the best way for me to recharge.
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Share your Favorite Inspiration Quote or Words of Wisdom:
My success has been driven by my ability to build strong relationships. Thus, my favorite quote is:
"When people tell you who they are, believe them."
--Maya Angelou
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Tip for Career Success at Hewitt
"Our business has a strong concentration on people skills. We advise and consult with our clients on engaging and communicating with their employees. An individual considering employment with our firm should have deep knowledge of benefit plans. In addition, they must have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to interact with many layers of a company’s management team."
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| Advice for Job Seekers:
Find your passion; find the skills or task that makes your heart sing and build on that.
Be willing to seek your success on the road less traveled. Sometimes we can achieve greater success by taking on the tasks others may shy away from.
Embrace change. This will become your refuge. Just as you reach a point of boredom and complacency begins to set in, change will come. Embrace it like a very best friend.
--Nellie J. Myers |
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Thank you Nellie J. Myers for sharing your insights and experience!
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