Regina Nolan
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About
Progressive HR experience and responsibility differentiated by technical knowledge, solid judgment and the ability to influence.
Human Resources Leader that has the demonstrated ability to de-construct, build and effectively sustain the HR function within an organization.
Strategic HR Executive who collaborates with leadership and teams to create solutions that enable an organization’s high-performance.
Regina’s Career Stories
Did anyone ever oppose your career plans when you were young or push you in a direction you did not want to go?
oh, yes. My father was a professor of history at a local university, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He recognized that the path to tenure was challenging and very limited across the nation, so he encouraged me to explore my other passions. One passion I had was international travel, so I began to explore what careers could take me to internationally.
How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?
Nope. I did not know all along. I liked reading. I liked history, and my Dad was encouraging me to explore career options, so I decided to accompany the College of Business on a study abroad to Japan and China. I audited classes, while I read all about the history of the places I was visiting. The classes I audited were on International Human Resources. I came back from that study abroad with a new career destination - Human Resources - and I applied to UT to pursue a Masters in that field of study.
When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?
Yes, I worked in Human Resources while putting myself through my graduate degree in Human Resources. It was a great way to apply my theoretical classroom lessons to real life business cases. I always encourage people to work in an adjacent field to their studies or pursue a (or multiple) Internship or Co-Op.
When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?
I went to the University of Texas at Austin for graduate school. I used my Alumnii network. The hiring managers for my first three roles were all UT Alums. So go to the networking events that your University puts on, whether that is a happy hour or professional development seminars. It increases your exposure.
What is the one piece of career advice you wish someone gave you when you were younger?
Your perspective is valid. Don't let your youth/age limit your voice. You have a view of the world that others can learn from, so share that view.