By Adriana Betancourt
While balancing a full academic load, work, and involvement on campus, management and marketing alumna Rachel Tarlach, ’19, also launched and sold her first business, started a second, and discovered a deeper calling beyond the career path she originally envisioned. Through moments of uncertainty, personal responsibility and professional transformation, her time at NIU became a foundation for leadership, faith and service. In this spotlight, she shares how her experiences as a Huskie shaped her path into HR and talent acquisition and the lessons she carries with her today.
Q: How would you describe your overall experience as a student at Northern Illinois University?
A: My experience at Northern Illinois University was different from many of my peers. I entered my freshman year pursuing a degree in Business Management and HR while participating in the marching band and working throughout college. By my senior year, I had sold my first business in painting and construction, launched a second business – Rachel’s Stop & Shop, a small business focused on lifestyle and wellness products. Then became involved in Pi Sigma Epsilon, NIU Society for Human Resources Management, and Cru — all while remaining a full-time student and employee.
At the time, it didn’t feel extraordinary, and I don’t consider myself a “superwoman.” But looking back, I recognize how different my path was… I wouldn’t change a thing — my years at NIU truly shaped me into the person I am today.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in HR and talent acquisition after graduating from NIU?
A: Interestingly, I graduated from NIU fully intending to spend my career in sales. I had found success in my businesses and genuinely enjoyed helping people, which made sales feel like a natural fit.
However, I graduated just six weeks before COVID-19 and experienced my first layoff shortly after. While it was a shock, I had already built a strong network during college, which allowed me to transition quickly into recruiting. Although I still own my second business, working in HR and talent acquisition has been incredibly meaningful. Being even a small part of helping someone put food on the table, pay their bills, and find a job they enjoy is a blessing I don’t take lightly.
Q: Were there any classes, organizations or experiences at NIU that played a key role in shaping your career path?
For NIU specifically, SHRM and Pi Sigma Epsilon helped me understand what is out there for career paths. But also how no matter what path you take you will always have to be able to sell yourself. The sales program was also vital for me as I believe in doing things that push your comfort zone.
Q: Were there any classes, organizations, or experiences at NIU that played a key role in shaping your career path?
A: SHRM and Pi Sigma Epsilon were instrumental in helping me understand the wide range of career paths available. They also reinforced an important lesson: no matter what career you choose, you must be able to sell yourself.
NIU’s sales program was equally impactful. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me skills that I still rely on today, regardless of role or industry.
Q: Can you share a pivotal moment or challenge early in your career that helped you grow professionally?
A: When I first entered HR, I started in recruiting. Because of the volume of roles, time zones, and opportunities, the work initially felt very transactional. A pivotal moment for me was working under a leader who emphasized balance, worked alongside me and consistently reminded me to put myself first.
He reinforced something I already believed: that HR is an opportunity to be a small reason someone’s life changes for the better. That perspective transformed how I viewed my role and continues to guide me on both the challenging days and the many rewarding ones.
Q: What does your current role as an HR Manager – Talent Acquisition look like day-to-day?
A: No two days look the same. During the academic year, much of my focus is on campus recruiting and relationship-building, which then feeds into corporate recruiting throughout the year. Compensation, benefits, onboarding and employee support remain ongoing priorities.
In my role, employee mental, physical and emotional well-being are central. I also lead our “Fun Club,” which plans events that celebrate holidays, heritage months, birthdays and work anniversaries. Creating a workplace where people feel valued and engaged is just as important as filling roles.
Q: What skills do you believe are most important for students interested in recruiting or HR-related careers?
A: Networking, learning how to sell yourself, and continually pushing beyond your comfort zone are essential skills. I graduated during one of the most challenging job markets in recent history, with widespread layoffs due to COVID-19. While it wasn’t the plan I had envisioned, I wouldn’t change a thing. Those skills consistently opened doors and helped me navigate uncertainty.
Q: What advice would you give NIU students or recent graduates who are navigating their first job search?
A: It’s okay to feel like you have life figured out — and it’s also okay if you don’t. It’s normal to change paths, shift roles a few years in or even return to school.
I know that in graduating and a first job search, you can look around you and, in the midst of emotions, be happy all the way to indifferent. My advice is simple: go after what you want and see what happens. You’ll have far fewer regrets when you make choices rooted in what you want and what makes you happy.
Q: Looking back, what are you most grateful for from your time at NIU?
A: I’m most grateful for the opportunity for growth. College was not easy for me, and I don’t know if I can point to just one defining moment at NIU. While I am not defined by it, having ADHD and dyslexia made certain classes more challenging.
During the peak growth of my first business in painting and construction — ironically started through a connection from the NIU Marching Band —I was taking 19 credits and working two additional jobs due to financial hardship within my family. I eventually sold that business and started a second business to help support them.
It can be easy to portray an amazing life while privately navigating hardship. I didn’t join most of the organizations I was involved in until the end of my junior year, and I ultimately had to step away from the marching band to care for my family.
Challenges can’t be solved with temporary fixes; they require real change. Growth comes with growing pains and growing pains often involve suffering. While no one enjoys suffering, focusing on what you’re learning in those seasons makes all the difference.
None of this was done alone. My faith in God, along with the support of my family, friends and mentors who continually pushed me to grow, carried me through. I was grateful to find most — if not all — of that during my time at NIU.
Rachel’s journey is a powerful reminder that success rarely follows a straight path. Through entrepreneurship, academic load, personal hardship, and faith, her time at NIU shaped not only her career in HR and talent acquisition, but also her values as a leader and mentor. Today, she continues to carry those lessons forward serving others, creating meaningful workplace experiences, and encouraging students to pursue paths that align with both purpose and passion.
Learn more about NIU’s management and marketing programs.
