Alumni in 5
Holly Mertens '13
Employer
Manager, Total Rewards
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollymertens/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
I graduated Grand Valley in 2013 and headed out to Colorado with
my boyfriend at the time, whose now my husband. He is also a fellow
Laker! I had no job lined up after graduating and took a leap of
faith. I packed up my U-Haul and headed West. When we arrived, I was
full of mixed emotions...no job, new apartment, no friends and unsure
of where I belonged. I began networking as much as I could, connecting
with locals, HR boards etc and eventually ended up getting an
internship in HR Operations at OtterBox in Fort Collins, CO! From
there I began learning so much about the industry and also gaining
real experience in HR. My manager at OtterBox, asked me, "Do you
want to get into the Total Rewards space and learn about
benefits?" I said sure! And my career in HR/Total Rewards
flourished from there. I am forever thankful for her mentorship! I now
have over 9 years of experience in the human resources space and
working towards my CCP (Certified Compensation Professional Cert). I
have worked in the technology industry, leave of absence space, and
oil and gas software technology! I am also on the board of a local HR
network called Rocky Mountain Total Rewards Association and my focus
is on education, communications and technology. Thank you Grand Valley
for making these experiences possible!
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
My favorite memory of Grand Valley is working in the Dean's
office at the Seidman College of Business. I was able to get to know
H. James Williams and also support students. I loved giving campus
tours downtown and was so excited to share my experiences with
potential students! I love Grand Valley and so happy I got to work
with talented people.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
"If you get to where you can't affect change in your career,
then it's time to move on and affect change elsewhere."
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Successful Connected Memorable
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I would love more people to volunteer. It not only is a way to
help others and make a difference -it serves our soul! Even the
smallest good deed has a ripple (Laker) effect, and I want to be a
part of that. I recently volunteered at the Colorado Food Bank of the
Rockies and packed over 1,000 lunches for students in need! No student
or child should go without a nutritious meal and I was so happy to be
a part of that.
January 2022
Interest Area(s)
Human Resources Management, Hospitality Tourism Mgt
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