Jenette Purcell’s long-standing career in accounting and administration seemed like the right fit. She had gained valuable experience in bookkeeping, accounts payable, and payroll, and she was good at it. During her time with her former employer, a power management company, she also assisted the Human Resources department and was mentored by the HR manager. “I assisted employees with HR-related questions,” Jenette said. “I found that HR was a good fit for me.”
The company downsized in 2015 and Jenette received an outplacement benefit to help her with the career transition process. She set out to decide which path she would pursue next. Jenette was open to exploring multiple options, such as executive assistant and administrative assistant roles. However, together Jenette and her career coach realized that HR was her direction forward.
“I had never worked with a coach before and I really doubted that it would benefit me,” Jenette said about starting her outplacement benefit. “I had knowledge of other outplacement services that didn’t provide the same level of service as IMPACT Group, and they were not of any help to the displaced employee.”
Her time with Lisa Anderson, a Career Consultant at IMPACT Group, changed her mind. She worked with her coach to map out an effective job search plan. This plan, combined with a revamp of her résumé and LinkedIn profile and research on company, salary, and industry information, started her on her path. “Lisa’s help was invaluable. She gave me action items to complete before our calls, and I found that this kept me motivated and engaged during a difficult time for me.”
Through proactive coaching with Lisa, Jenette was able to secure a Talent Acquisition Coordinator position at a public university and health organization in Oregon. As she tackles the challenge of mastering a new field and working in a union environment for the first time, she is excited to support her team and provide mentoring along the way. “I see my role in HR similar to being a coach. I listen and ask questions that help employees evaluate their concerns and empower them to discover their own solutions.”
“I would encourage others to remember that when your employer says it’s just business, that it really is just business,” Jenette said regarding her outplacement experience. “When you love what you do and the people you do it with, it feels very personal. But you have to learn from the experience, forgive, and go into the next opportunity leaving the past in the past.”
As an Oregon native, she loves the stunning and diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. “You don’t have to go very far in any direction to get a change of scenery in Oregon.” Jenette and her husband often venture out in every direction on their Harley as they explore the beauty in the area. Jenette’s focus in life is to love, bless, and take care of others. “If I approach every person or situation with this in mind, then HR isn’t only what I do, it is how I live.”
