What motivates you to do your best work? Haleigh DeForest – an HR associate in GM’s TRACK program – thinks about this question a lot. And working in the world of Human Resources, it’s a question worth contemplating.
A recent graduate from Grand Valley State University, Haleigh has already completed two previous internships at GM in Labor Relations. She also mentors a high school robotics team, showcases her vintage Cadillac at car shows, and still finds time to go rock climbing with her friends.
We sat down with Haleigh to talk about what motivates her, and how the TRACK program can help jumpstart your career after college.
Why did you choose to start your career in the automotive industry?
I love cars. I grew up with my family working in the automotive industry, so I've always wanted to follow the same career path.
My grandpa had a 1959 Cadillac. I went to all the car shows I could with him. After I got my license, I bought my own Cadillac – a 1976 Coupe de Ville, in pristine condition, with only 12,000 miles on it. It hasn't needed any work!
Even though I'm not an engineer who works directly on the vehicles at GM, I get to experience the models firsthand and support the auto industry in my own special way.
How did you become an intern at GM?
During the fall semester of my sophomore year in college, my favorite professor told me that it was time to start applying for internships.
Since the auto industry runs in my family, I knew I wanted to be at GM. I saw there was an HR internship available, so I applied. It was the only one I applied to that year.
What was the hiring process like?
It was pretty easy. I got the position after a few interviews. That summer, I moved from Grand Rapids, Michigan to Spring Hill, Tennessee so I could intern with GM’s Labor Relations organization.
Labor Relations was new territory for me, but I ended up loving it. I had a great experience and wanted to come back to GM.
So I did. The next summer, I interned in Labor Relations again, at Romulus. I loved that too. It felt like I picked up where I left off during my internship at Spring Hill.
And then, during the last week of my second internship, I was offered a position in the HR function of the TRACK program. I was lucky! It was an exciting time.
What do you like about being in Human Resources?
What I like about human resources (and labor relations) is having the opportunity to make the workplace as best, as happy, and as healthy as it can be.
If there's any conflict, I can help alleviate it and resolve those issues for employees. I like having a positive and meaningful impact on their working environment. I like feeling empowered to help and empower other people.
Would you say following the HR path has accelerated your career?
Absolutely. I completed my first internship before I got into HR studies. The next school year, I applied my real-world experience to my classes. That made the subject material so much easier to understand.
Now that I’m in TRACK, I feel very confident. My classes and internships combined helped me hit the ground running. I’m already familiar with the platforms and processes. Having real life experience goes a long way in developing career skills.
What software did you learn to use during your internships?
Workday, Kronos Timekeeping…quite a few HR-specific programs GM uses that I didn’t get exposure to in school. That really prepared me for my full-time role in TRACK.
Are there other benefits from your internships besides learning software that help you in TRACK?
I made a lot of connections. I have a community of people at a minimum of two different GM locations. I can reach out to them and say, “Hey, can you help me with this?” And more times than not, they can. Those connections help me help others.
Any goals for the next few years at General Motors?
I’d really love to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program that GM has so I can pursue my master's degree.
Will you major in Human Resources?
Either that, or Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology, which is the study of what motivates people. I’m fascinated with that line of thinking.
I believe that the root of employee engagement is in providing team members with the right tools and resources they need to succeed. Having a degree in I/O Psychology would really help me know how to accomplish this.
How have you transitioned from college life to the corporate world?
In college, I had classes four days a week and part-time job every other weekend. I thought leaving the comfort of my routine and going into full-time work would be a hard transition.
But honestly, it's been seamless. I find I’m so passionate about my job, it's easy to keep working even after my hours are over.
What do you do outside of work for fun?
I find balance in planned extracurricular activities outside of work. I go rock climbing with my friends a few days per week.
I recently started mentoring a high school robotics team, which I really enjoy. I got involved with FIRST Robotics in high school where I was the head of mechanical, outreach, and fundraising.
In my senior year of high school, I was able to raise $25,000 for the team so we could have all the students go to the world championships.
That took a lot of work and dedication!
It was worth it. The kids didn't have to be financially burdened to go, which I'm happy about.
Actually, my experience with FIRST Robotics led me to choose HR as my degree and move forward. I give a lot of my props to that organization. And now that I have free time after work to give back, I wanted to find another robotics team that I could support so I could give other kids the same experience.
You’ve come full circle in that regard.
Right now, I’m helping the students prepare for a scrimmage coming up, and we’re getting ready for the big state championship.
Now that the robot is built, we have to focus on outreach. That means fundraising for the next year, so I’m teaching the students how to do presentations in front of sponsors, and interviews for the judging process.
Your time at GM so far has probably enhanced your skills in that area then.
GM is a big sponsor of FIRST Robotics, by the way. So there's good partnerships there.
Are there any challenges you face in your role in TRACK?
I think my biggest challenge right now is finding connections in my current role. I work with the Talent Acquisition team. It’s a totally different playing field. I’d say knowing who to reach out to and when has been challenging, especially when jumping in during the middle of projects.
But, what’s great is, I have a strong support system from my team. I feel comfortable asking any questions to help me make those connections.
What makes General Motors a place where early career talent can thrive?
The positive culture at GM itself. I have endless support from my team and my managers. It allows – and encourages – me to ask questions. I often raise my hand, pause where we're at in the meeting, and get some clarification before we move on.
I feel very welcomed and able to just message in the chat and say, “Hey, who has a contact for someone that can answer this question?” More often than not, it gets answered within five minutes by my great team. It’s very helpful.
And if my direct team doesn't answer, the 16 other HR Track employees always find a contact for me. That helps too!
What else is great about the TRACK program?
I get support and answers from two different levels.
TRACK is set up where I have a professional mentor, someone who's been in my assigned field for a while. We touch base once a month. I bring any questions I have. I can even message her in-between our meeting times to ask anything.
I'm also partnered with a peer mentor in TRACK. They’ve been in the program longer than I have. I go to her with any questions too.
What’s your advice for those out there who want to apply for the TRACK program?
Number one: Do it! This program lets me experience different career paths I would otherwise not have known were options with my degree. I’m so thankful for this early career opportunity because of this.
Number two…always be adaptable. Learning that lesson is a good foundation for your success.
