Meet Katelyn Puraj, Human Resource Director at One10
Katelyn obtained her bachelor’s degree at Oakland University (Go Grizzlies!) with a degree in Human Resources Development and a minor in Employment Systems and Standards. Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, she currently resides in Rochester, Michigan with her husband and two young children. On the weekends, you can find Katelyn spending time with her large family out on the lake or enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Professionally, Katelyn is proudly certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and has also obtained her SHRM-CP.
How did you get started in your career?
In high school, I started working in corporate retail as a seasonal cashier. I was asked to stay on after the holidays as a regular employee and spent the next 8 or so years moving my way up to a senior team leader. The best part of my job was always the people. I enjoyed developing and helping team members. I realized that this was where I wanted to continue to spend my time learning and growing. When I met with a college advisor to discuss my college degree path, I told them I was good with people. We were able to narrow it down to HR and I ultimately elected HR Development over HR Management because I wanted to work closer with employees to align their personal goals with the company’s to help enhance performance. After college, I accepted a Field HR position where I got to travel to meet employees face-to-face. Instead of sitting behind a desk all day, I got real-life, boots-on-the-ground experience. I always say, if I hadn’t been thrown in right away, I may not be where I am today.
What's your favorite part about working in HR?
A total clichéd answer, but the people. I’ve been fully vested in the HR field for a little over 10 years now and have worked in various industries: retail, logistics, healthcare, and now in the professional services sector. Each experience has been a reminder of just how different, yet the same, we are as people. I enjoy helping employees through everyday situations and creating and implementing new people processes and solutions. I take pride in being able to establish a solid reputation and rapport with all levels of the organization.