POSTED 08-22-2024 Allow us to introduce HR Generalist, Meagan Faulkner, SHRM-CP. Meagan initially joined Wendel as an intern in our HR department, and was subsequently hired full time. She graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2021. She has a handsome Chocolate Lab named Tuukka and a sweet Blue Heeler mix named Ozzie. She’s a huge animal lover, yogi, and enjoys a good Stephen King book in her down time. What does a day in your work life look like? Every day is a little bit different! I help with any questions or concerns our employees have, as well as, handling a lot of new hire/onboarding tasks to ensure a smooth & positive experience joining Wendel. I am a Generalist, so I have my hands in a little bit of everything, however, some of my primary tasks include onboarding, benefits, leaves, and Wendel’s robust internship program! Many things can pop up as the day goes on, but I appreciate being a trusted point of contact for employees and new hires. What do you like most about working here? The people at Wendel are the best! I would also say how much support and encouragement I receive from my team and the company when it comes to my professional goals. When you’re not making people at work smile, what types of things will we find you doing in your free time? Well, I love animals! So, most weekends I am volunteering at a local dog rescue (when I’m not hanging out with my own dog, Ozzie) & I’ve just started fostering dogs that come up from Texas as they await their forever home. Otherwise, I love reading & I stay pretty active at the gym & play Pickleball with friends and family. Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like to be an intern, and what it’s been like to shift from being an intern to being a full-time employee? Not to brag, but we have the best HR department at Wendel & I figured that out pretty quickly as I started my internship here. I was able to learn and work with each member in their different roles and this allowed me to grow my knowledge in all areas of HR – which was exactly what I was looking for. The shift to full-time was then very smooth! Since I was already pretty involved & had the opportunity as an intern to ask the right questions and learn the ins and outs of the department and the company, I knew I could join the team permanently and be successful and I knew I had the trust/support from my team to do this too. Is there anything else you’d like us to include? Wendel has set the bar high! My professional goals are talked about, listened to, and put into action. And the opportunity for flexibility is always there. I appreciate the balance.