Northwest College alumna Kara Beech knows the importance of pursuing a passion. Following her graduation from NWC with an associate degree in fine art, she worked in medical records at Powell Valley Healthcare. It was there human resources sparked her interest, so she went back to school and earned a bachelor’s in business administration and human resources.

“I accepted a position as the first director of human resources for the City of Rock Springs and have enjoyed building that department,” she noted. After beginning her role as director, she saw a need for human resources networking and professional development, so she started the High Desert Human Resources Association, an affiliate of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Soon after, hard work paid off for Beech and her team.

Can you share some background about the award you and your team recently earned?

Each year, SHRM recognizes a total of 12 chapters or state councils with the Pinnacle Award. We were the first Wyoming chapter to be the recipient of the award for the Employment Law Seminar that we held in southwest Wyoming. We received a crystal plaque and $1,000 in prize money that we will be using to bring in speakers for our monthly educational meetings.

How did you become interested in human resources? 

I became interested in human resources when I worked for Powell Valley Healthcare. I enjoyed working with people and helping them achieve their goals while ensuring the organization provided great services to the community. I wanted to ensure that we had the best employees because they weren’t just taking care of customers, they were taking care of our family and friends in the community. 

What does a typical day in your career look like? 

It is different every day, which is why I probably enjoy it the most. Some days are spent recruiting for positions and working out advertising, interviewing or calling references. Other days are spent providing education to employees, ensuring compliance with new or changing regulations or finding the right benefit options for employees and the organization to provide. 

What do you remember most vividly about your experience at NWC? 

I had a wonderful experience at NWC because of the amazing professors and staff at the college. They took an interest in me as a person and helped me develop the talents that I had.    

What advice do you have for current NWC students who are about to enter the professional world?  

Make every moment count. We live in a really small world, and you never know when your path will cross with someone you once knew. Always be kind–even in the tough times.