In July, Nichole Jackson joined the Department of Management as their office manager. Please read the following interview to learn more about Nichole:
Q: Where did you grow up and what kinds of things were you interested in?
A: When I was little my family moved to Lake in the Hills, Illinois, and I spent most of my childhood there. I aspired to be a veterinarian because I loved animals and helping others.
Q: You earned your B.S. in human resource management from NIU. Why did you decide to focus your studies there?
A: I decided to earn my B.S in human resource management because I enjoy watching others grow. I previously worked in retail and food service and always found myself in a training role. This fueled my passion to pursue a degree that worked with the development of others in a work setting.
I found during my time here at NIU that I needed to overcome my fear of math, as it was required to attend the College of Business. I learned not only that it wasn’t as scary as I thought, but that I really enjoyed it. I decided to obtain a minor in business analytics and pursue my master’s in management information systems to be able to use analytics to better analyze how to improve areas in business such as human resources.
Q: What are you most excited about in your new role as office manager for the Department of Management?
A: I am excited to learn hands-on professional knowledge that I can use to grow not only as a business professional but give back to a department that helped me realize my potential. I would love to pass my excitement of NIU onto other students and be a part of the huskie family.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors. During the summer, we enjoy hiking, canoeing, camping, exploring and trying new things. We also enjoy cooking and learning new recipes.
Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot that you’ve visited?
A: In North Carolina, there is a mountain called Grandfather Mountain that has a bridge that is a mile up the mountain. We hiked up there as a family, and it is a view that is not easily forgotten.
Q: Do you have any little-known talents that your colleagues should be aware of?
A: I can out-walk many. Once, I walked 14 miles just to get to a birthday party!
Q: In your opinion, what sets a Huskie apart from the rest?
A: A Huskie has a drive to succeed. Coming here has taught me just because you think you can’t do something, do it anyway. You might find in your weaknesses your greatest strengths.
