'I matter here': HRM student finds her place at the Haworth College of Business

KALAMAZOO, Mich.— With her eyes set on greatness, Western Michigan University human resource management student Alyssa Lozano excitedly awaits the career ahead of her. 

“As a human resources employee, I will have the capability to benefit businesses in many ways,” says Lozano. “Whether that is through supplying the company with quality talent, training managers to be better leaders, or managing benefits that are vital to an employee’s well-being, I look forward to my future aiding companies in their journey toward excellence.”

Crediting her preparedness for her field to her courses at the Haworth College of Business, Lozano remarks on WMU’s distinctive courses.

“My classes dive into knowledge and skills applicable in the real-world that I would not have gotten at another university. Most of my classes are spent focused on skills that HR managers will need. For example, in my Labor and Employee Relations class, we facilitated a negotiation between management and a union. And in my Change Management course, we have student-led discussions that explore how to facilitate changes to enact initiatives for employee well-being.”

Lozano has already had the chance to apply these learned skills in her internship with Nexteer Automotive. As a human resources intern, she spent her summer interviewing hourly production applicants, creating and leading a student and early career event, overseeing two production plants, helping with the company’s family day event and communicating with employees and the United Auto Workers (UAW) stewards.

“I was drawn to this internship specifically because I wanted to gain insight in many areas. Working with Nexteer gave me experience in interviewing, conflict management, day-to-day operations and working with the UAW Union,” she says.

Her time as a business student at WMU Haworth has provided Lozano with enriching academic experiences that she says will serve her down the line.

“The Haworth College of Business is truly an environment that not only promotes growth but inspires it. Taking a wide variety of classes on topics ranging from computer information systems to organizational behavior, has helped me develop into a more versatile student than I could have ever imagined. The professors cultivate a curriculum that stands tall amongst other schools while simultaneously providing resources to ensure student success. I feel like I matter here.”

Preparing to graduate this summer, Lozano hopes others will take advantage of everything WMU Haworth has to offer them.

“I encourage students to speak with professors outside of class. The business college is filled with amazing educators that want the best for their students. Reach out during office hours not only to get to know your instructors, but to build your networking skills. You can learn inside and outside of the classroom if you make the effort to do so.”

After her graduation this upcoming summer, Lozano plans to start her career with an HR generalist role. Looking forward to growing in her career, she hopes to eventually become an HR manager. 

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