Mia VandenBerg is raising the bar in human resources

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Mia VandenBerg, a human resource management student at Western Michigan University, is elevating the world of human resources. At the Haworth College of Business, the senior has been taking her turn in the professional world through internships, academic involvement and co-curricular activities to launch a well-developed career after graduation. 

This past summer, VandenBerg returned to Rocket Central as an intern, where she rejoined the talent development team. This group is responsible for professional and leadership development training which includes training employees in emotional intelligence, inclusivity, allyship, equitable interview techniques, building your brand and leadership through change. VandenBerg shadowed and supported the trainers regularly, gaining an inside look at a dynamic team.

Continuing her internship journey, VandenBerg is currently in her second academic year as a compensation and benefits intern at WMU. Working for the human resources department, VandenBerg was asked back this year to continue her education on benefits within the workplace. Her work with WMU’s HR department involves streamlining processes to incorporate automation, enabling the department to allocate more of its resources to strategic initiatives. She is a part of the change happening in the professional world, evolving as the field does. 

Beyond her professional endeavors, VandenBerg is a committed student. She recognizes how WMU Haworth has prepared her for her internship experiences, leading her toward success.

“The culture and environment at the college have been very conducive to my academic success. I have begun to see just how applicable the concepts I’m learning in the classroom are. It’s great going to a meeting and thinking ‘oh I learned about that in class.’ That feeling would not be possible without the unwavering support that I have felt from faculty and staff at WMU Haworth. I would like to specifically thank Dr. Christina Stamper and Dr. Chen Wang, who have taken the time to get to know me and have given me great career advice. They push me to stretch myself and give me the support I need to succeed.”

In the realm of co-curricular activities, VandenBerg is well-rounded. She serves on the executive board of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources and mentors a high school robotics team in Battle Creek. She is also a student representative for Team TechNext, where students travel to California to gain a first-hand look into innovation in the business world, all with the support of WMU alumni and instructor Barcley Johnson. Through the program, the select group of students are challenged to be their authentic selves while discovering their ideal career pathways through the newest technologies. 

 “Barcley Johnson, faculty mentor for TechNext, has been instrumental in giving me the resources I need to grow and challenge myself. I was able to meet some incredible people on the trip who taught me a lot about the direction business is headed. Most importantly, that experience helped solidify for me that I am passionate about leadership and developing people.”

As her final semesters at WMU come to an end, VandenBerg plans to continue her education in human resources, anticipating a future career in HR leadership. She hopes to focus her career on strategy, talent enablement, change management and people analytics. Keeping up with her dynamic field is no easy feat, but with her impressive accomplishments, VandenBerg is ready for the professional whirlwind ahead of her.

Learn more about Team TechNext.

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