All Good Things Have to Come to an End

I can't believe this internship is already over, time has just flown by. In my time here though I learned so much and gained so much knowledge.There is a lot of behind the scenes work that the Human Resource department is responsible for, that most people probably never realize- some that I never realized until I got here. Things such as managing employee files, keeping everything up to date, dealing with issues throughout the company, rolling out learning and development programs, setting up webinars for continuing education, 401k processes, benefit administration, parts of payroll, hiring, firing and everything in between. 

This internship has given me a great perspective on what Human Resources is all about. You can learn about it all you want in class, but until you really experience it for yourself, you don’t have a full understanding. I have got to experience a lot this summer. I was lucky enough to have a team that included me in whatever they did. I got to travel to the Detroit office, attend important meetings, go to HR conferences and much more.  This internship has just reassured me that I made the right decision in switching my major to Human Resources. It is something I really enjoy and can see myself doing for the rest of my life.

Dwellworks has shown me that not every business job has to be a boring 9-5, hate coming into work kind of job. Here at Dwellworks I looked forward to coming in everyday- the friendly people, strong values and just the open environment is what differentiates Dwellworks from any other business. I have learned so much in my short time here that will really give me an advantage when I go back to school, or when I go out to apply for jobs.

I really do feel like I have become a contributing member to the team here at Dwellworks and I will be sad to say goodbye, but I know that I have gained a network of not only business professionals, but lasting friendships.

Good luck to all of my fellow interns, it has been a pleasure working with each and every one of you. If you ever find yourself in Columbus be sure to visit! :)

- Valarie Reinig, HR

Projects

     Throughout my time here I have worked and assisted in many projects for our department. Being such a small team (3 + me) I got to see a lot of different sides of HR; the good, the bad and the ugly. I have learned a lot about benefits, compensation, and recruiting.

     One of the projects I just finished up is creating a guide that new hires can follow to make the onboarding process run more smoothly. Right now it’s overwhelming the amount of paperwork and documents we have to keep track of, all due at different times, and requiring different thing. So I’m working to get everything in one place so it’s easier and less stressful for the new hire.

      Recruiting is another big “project” that is ongoing, and is fun, but it takes a lot of time and effort. And this summer has been crazy with the amount of recruiting we have been doing. It starts by screening and finding a resume of a candidate with the right qualifications, then setting up a phone interview with that person to see if they are a right fit for the company, and if so bringing them in for an in person interview interview. It sounds easy, but you'd be surprised at how many candidates we have to go through until we find the right one for the job.

     It’s always so rewarding when you find a candidate that would be perfect for the position. When I first started, Jess would always talk about this gut feeling she got when she was talking to someone, and I never really understood what that meant until I experienced it for myself. As you’re talking on the phone with someone you just know that they are the definition of what Dwellworks is. Their personality, the way they speak, examples they use; everything just aligns with the way we do business here. It’s exciting to get to see the whole process through from start to finish; from the first interaction over the phone to that person’s first day on the job.

- Valarie Reinig, HR

Intern Project

Going into the 6^th week here, we are well along into our intern project. We have come a long way since the first meeting we’re starting to put everything together and I think we have accomplished a lot.

It is kind of difficult having to be on a conference call and not have everyone in the room at once. I have never done a project that way. At school everyone can normally meet up at some point face to face to discuss the project. It makes it hard to communicate our points or show our ideas when some of the people don’t have a visual. I can only imagine how hard it is for Shane and Sophie to be in a room by themselves trying to understand everything we are saying. The other day when Shane and Sophie couldn’t make the call, we all met in a different conference room and put our presentation on the screen and edited it all together we got a lot done, but not everyone was included.

This project has taught me a lot about communication and working internationally. I’m excited to see how the final presentation turns out.

 Valarie Reinig

Human Resources

Visiting the Detroit Team

This past week I had the opportunity to go to Detroit with Jess and Matt for the MAGIC training. I had a great time and got to meet a lot of new people. It was nice to finally put a face to some of the names I’ve been seeing in all the paperwork. Like everyone at Dwellworks, they were all welcoming and there to help if  need be.

The office space is a little different than Cleveland's, a lot smaller, but it still has the Dwellworks feel to it. The Detroit team definitely has a lot of fun in their office.  When we reached our 100,000 goal, they brought in breakfast for the team and 100grand bars. Their building had a cookout on Wednesday where everyone from the office could meet outside for lunch. They also have a friendly bowling competition going on every Wednesday where the winner gets the Golden Pin for the week. It’s always good to have some friendly competition.

Jess, Matt and I explored some different parts of town and got to try out some good restaurants that were recommended to us. We learned that the driving in Michigan is very different than in Ohio. They have a lot of one way streets, left turns on red, exits on the left side of the highways, and U-turns all over the place. It was a great trip, but it's good to be back.

The Detroit team is a wonderful team and look forward to perhaps meeting with them again.

-Valarie Reinig
 Human Resources

Becoming Magicians

This week we had our MAGIC customer service training. Although I have been working in customer service for a while now, I still learned some things that I didn’t know before. It was a long day packed with lots of applicable information that Jess and Matt presented in a way that was engaging and interesting.

The thing that I found most interesting was how Dwellworks focused more on the relationship of the interaction rather than just getting to the problem right away. During all of my previous customer service jobs the relationship with the customer wasn’t as important as getting them what they need. Here at Dwellworks though that is the most important part, making and maintaining the relationships with clients.  Another big take away that was different from my previous experience was the empathy aspect of MAGIC. Really understanding the customer and seeing things from their point of view are something that I think makes Dwellworks exceptional when it comes to Customer service. Sometimes people just need someone to listen to their problems, even if you can’t help directly, just giving them your attention and putting yourself in their shoes can make a big difference. Another topic that I think will be very helpful in my life is the Bad new burger. I am a person who hates confrontation, and delivering bad news can lead to that. This method gives you a way to deliver bad news while still staying positive. Starting off as being empathetic, then telling the bad news, but quickly following up with a redirect of what their next step should be or what we can do for them.

Everything I learned in MAGIC I can apply to not only my work life, but my everyday life.

Valarie Reinig

Adjusting to work life

I would have to say that the biggest adjustment from college to work life is the schedule. In college, on average, you have 2-3 classes a day and how the rest of the time in the day is spent is up to you to decide. I had free time to work-out, study, do homework, work part time, and socialize throughout the day. Work-life I feel is more like high school. You are told the time to come in, you have lunch with your friends, then back to work until it is time to leave. I kind of like that is a regular schedule, instead of all jumbled. Also not having to worry about doing homework or having all these assignments that are due is nice. There are project deadlines but it seems a lot less stressful than the college environment. Additionally having the evenings and weekends off has been nice. It has been a while since I haven’t had to work nights or weekends. It is an adjustment, but one I am happy to make.

-Valarie Reinig, HR

Taking the Internship

I decided to take the internship at Dwellworks because it was an opportunity that was directly related to my field of study, and the values of the company lined up with mine which is an important thing when looking for a job. My HR professor told us to not settle for a job just because they pay well, or you’re just desperate. You should wait until you find an opportunity where your passions, competencies, and the company values all align the most, because that is when you will be the happiest. And I am glad I followed this advice because I look forward to coming to work each and every morning, something that I wouldn't have had if I decided to go with a different company

The interview sealed the deal for me. I had been looking at other internships for different companies, but not one came close to the culture and positivity I got when I was at Dwellworks. I know that this was the right decision and can’t emphasize enough the positive environment and how pleasant the people are here. 

Valarie Reinig

Human Resources Intern

First Impression

It is always said that “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. In this case, Dwellworks didn’t need a second chance. From the very first phone call I had, I knew this company was a place I would enjoy working for. I was nervous to meet with Shana, Jess and Matt all at once for my interview. I felt like it would be intimidating, but it was not at all. They made me feel very welcomed, like I already knew them personally. I was eager to become a member of their team.

On my first day I was very anxious and excited to start. I got a tour of the building, met some people and started to get settled in my place. By the end of my first week I felt like I had been working here for years. The people are what make the company and here at Dwellworks, all of the people are very pleasant and welcoming which made starting my internship effortless.  I like the fact that whether you’re talking to a fellow intern or the CEO of the company doesn’t make a difference, each and every person treats you like you belong.

I really love the culture of Dwellworks and I look forward to the rest of my time here.

Valarie Reinig

Human Resources

Valarie Reinig, HR

Valarie Reinig

Dept.: Human Resource
University: Ohio State University
Major: Human Resources