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Got my first job! Working at Amazon as a senior human resources assistant

Got my first job! Working at Amazon as a senior human resources assistant

In April 2021, Natalie Quade graduated with honors and a bachelor's in hospitality and tourism management. Today, she’s a senior human resources assistant at Amazon.

August 30, 2021 at 2:40pm

Name: Natalie Quade

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Degree/major: Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management, Honors College 

Where are you working? Title? I’m working at Amazon as a senior human resources assistant.

What does a day on the job look like? Everyday is different—Amazon is a very peculiar company. My job encompasses all the basic functions of human resources, specifically employee relations and compliance. I interact with hundreds of Amazon associates on a daily basis and try to find the answer to any work-related questions they may have through navigating the many technical processes that my company utilizes.

What was your greatest fear going into your first job, and how did you face it or overcome it? My greatest fear going into my job was not having enough human resources experience in order to succeed in the field. The way I have begun to overcome this fear is by learning more and more each day, and enabling myself to apply lessons while on the job. The more time I spend within the field of HR, the more comfortable I am becoming with the processes since every day is about growth and support. 

What surprised you the most about your first job? I was most surprised about the dynamic and ever-changing environment that Amazon has. Every day, when I come into work, time flies by because there is always something to do — there is no such thing as a boring day! I love the fast-paced environment and the fact that I am constantly being challenged to set the bar higher for myself. 

What’s been the coolest thing about your job so far? I definitely believe that the people I work with are the coolest part of Amazon. They have all been so helpful in training me and giving out advice. My coworkers are happy to be working in the company and I like being surrounded by their positive energy. Connections and effective communication are two aspects that Amazon values and emphasizes for its associates.

How does your job connect back to your coursework/FIU Honors College? My job connects to the FIU Honors College because it has assisted me in being more of a leader through prioritization and adaptability. Being a direct campus hire going into Amazon has allowed me to be more focused on the tasks at hand and has inspired me to be willing to learn and be curious.

How was your transition from school to work? How do you balance your time?  My transition from school to work has been overall challenging, yet invigorating. It is difficult to balance my time since there are always multiple tasks that need to be done on any given day. But I've been improving prioritizing my time the more experience I am getting from my job. 

How was the job hunt process and what made you decide to take this role?  The job hunt process for an entry-level job in HR took me quite a few times before I was able to find a company that would give me a chance to learn and improve new skills. I decided to take the role within Amazon because I value their company culture, work ethic, and the fact that it is one of the best companies in the world!

What advice do you have for those beginning the job search process?  My advice for those who are beginning to search for jobs is to not be afraid to apply to positions that truly interest and resonate with you. Job descriptions usually mention that you should have the preferred qualifications of working multiple years of experience, and, although you may be discouraged by this, you should still apply anyway because you never know what it is that the recruiters are looking for and you may ultimately be chosen from the rest of the applicants. Ensure that when you submit your resume, you are covering most of the marks that are in the job description and that you have developed proper skills and criteria throughout your time at school.