Susan M. Osmers, human resource generalist, Training Resources of America Inc., Worcester
Osmers
After spending time in the public- and private-sector human resources world, Susan M. Osmers has moved to TRA, a Worcester-based nonprofit that provides helps educationally and economically disadvantaged youth and adults get training and find jobs. In this Q&A she says studying psychology was one of the things that prepared her to work in human resources.
Vital Stats:
• Residence: Sturbridge
• Family: Husband, two daughters and several pets (two cats, two birds and a dog)
• Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of New York at New Paltz
• Previous job: Immediately prior to joining TRA, she worked for several months in the membership department at Old Sturbridge Village. Before that, she was the human resources manager at sports equipment manufacturer Brine Corp in Milford for five years.
• Start date at new job: February 18
Q. How are you settling in at your new office?
A. I'm settling in very nicely at TRA. My office overlooks City Hall and I have a birds-eye view of Worcester's wind turbine. My co-workers have made me feel welcome and right at home. I'm learning my way around Worcester bit by bit and discovering all sorts of nice places to lunch. I'm looking forward to warmer weather so I can get out more.
Q. What's the biggest surprise you've had in starting the job?
A. I'm pleasantly surprised at how well established the HR policies and procedures are and how good a job everyone does in following them. Sometimes it's an uphill battle to get employees to understand the importance of HR's role. That's not the case here and it's a real credit to the management at TRA.
Q. What challenges do you see in your new position?
A. My challenge is to learn about all the many facets of TRA. It's a complex organization with 11 training sites, multiple education, employment and skills training programs, and a diversity of clients. Many of the people here have been in the organization for so long they know it very well. I have a lot of catching up to do. I also want to get to know the folks out at the various training sites and make sure they know I'm here as a resource to them.
Q. How different is this job from your previous position?
A. Other than my short stint at Old Sturbridge Village where I was not in an HR role, I have never worked for a nonprofit organization. The attitude is one of real collaboration in an effort to get important work done. There's a real sense that everyone works as a team.
Q. How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A. I had no idea what I wanted to do in high school. It wasn't until I went to college that all these options opened up for me. I eventually found my way to a psychology class and loved it. It took a few years working before I had the opportunity to move into human resources where my degree in psychology could be utilized.
Q. Where's the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A. I'm still working on finding a favorite. I do enjoy having all these choices within walking distance! That's certainly different than what I've been used to where I had to drive everywhere.
Q. What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
A. Hopefully, I'm still enjoying Human Resources at TRA!
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