Student Spotlight - Eric Hueckstedt
What did you study at EvCC?
I studied Human Resources Management in the HR Management certificate program at EvCC’s Corporate & Continuing Education Center.
Why did you choose EvCC?
My wife and I moved to Everett five years ago. Since then I’ve taken other classes at EvCC in an unrelated subject to enhance my skills at work. I was very impressed with the environment and teachers at that time, so when I decided to completely shift my career direction, I naturally went to EvCC first in search of classes and programs I would need to move forward in my career.
Who helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you?
Boy, who didn’t help. I thought I was very knowledgeable about HR Management when I started. It turned out I knew very little about modern HR policies, employment law and how HR environments have evolved. Every single teacher was knowledgeable in all areas of human resources no matter which class they taught. They helped modernize my way of thinking about what HR was in the past, what it is now as well as what it can be in the future. My classmates also guided me. I appreciated their perspectives and that their own conclusions often differed from my own. These frequent differences lead to meaningful debate. I think in the end, despite our different views, we all learned so much more than we thought we would.
What advice do you have for new EvCC students?
The advice I would give any new student to EvCC is to have an open mind when you research programs. You might think you know what you are good at now, or what type of career you are suited for, but once you really delve into the opportunities at EvCC you might be surprised by the options. You might even find something you never expected to find. Many years ago I had a teacher that advised me to never predict where you’ll be in five years, and to always keep an open mind when new opportunities come up. It’s those unexpected opportunities that can lead to a long and wonderful career. I found one of those opportunities in HR Management and 5 years ago I never thought I would head this direction. I’m happy I did.
What do you plan to do next?
I’m going to pursue my PHR certification next year, take some electives in this same field and wait for the right opportunity to present itself. Other than that I look forward to a new and long career in HR Management as an HR Manager or HR Generalist.
Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.
I think the best experience wasn’t so much one moment, but all of them collectively. It ranges from having discussions about employment law and real life case scenarios with teachers, talking to students about where they are now and where they hope to be tomorrow, or making new friends who work in the same field I’ve come to love. It was one big great experience.
Anything else you want to add?
I would like to thank every teacher that took time to teach me something new, and for never discounting my point of view. The teachers in the HR program are wonderful. I can honestly recommend this program for those that love team and collaborative classes and want to learn in a very dynamic classroom environment.