Psychology Alumna Masters HR Management
Nikki Monroe, ’96, credits the guidance and support she received in the UCF Psychology Department for her success in Human Resources Management. While obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in industrial psychology at UCF, she was competitively selected to assist Barbara Fritzsche, Ph.D.,with research. It was during this time Monroe says she was introduced to how psychological studies can be applied in business and was inspired to pursue a graduate degree in the field of Human Resources Management.
Following her UCF graduation, Monroe earned her master’s degree in HR Management from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. From the telecommunications to health care industry, she has been growing professionally in the field of HR with organizations such as CCA, St Jude Medical, Sprint Nextel Corporation and TI Group Automotive Systems.
Today, Monroe works as Director of HR Global Supply Chain for CHEP in Orlando. CHEP is a logistics solutions company specializing in the management of standardized unit-load equipment in some of the world’s most complex and efficient supply chains. In her role, Monroe is responsible for developing, leading and enabling the Global Supply Chain people and change agenda, playing a key role in influencing operational performance and delivery. Her responsibilities include advising on and supporting all aspects of HR to ensure Supply Chain people, processes and systems are working effectively.
With more than twenty years of experience in the field, Monroe offered a valuable piece of advice. “Never stop learning! Things change quickly. Remain current in your chosen profession and learn from those who have gone before you,” advised Monroe. “You will encounter challenges in your career but hold fast to your goals and dreams and never allow one person’s opinion or actions deter you from creating the career (or life) you want for yourself.”
Monroe discussed her time at UCF and her current position in the spotlight responses below.
What is your best UCF memory?
I have many great memories of my time at UCF but one very memorable one was my first week. My Mom dropped me off at the dorms and I was all alone and didn’t know a single person. I eventually met a small group of students whose parents dropped them off at the dorms early as well. They were a lot of fun and coincidentally they had an extra Lollapalooza ticket for the following Saturday with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I couldn’t believe my luck. We all became fast friends and hung out at the dorms together my entire freshman year.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My company has sent me to South Africa, London, Madrid, Dubai and many other exciting international locations to perform my job in Human Resources. I have the good fortune to work with forward thinking, seasoned and strategic business leaders from around the world and I learn something new from them every day. I work for an outstanding company, CHEP, which has offices right here in Orlando. I would highly recommend any student interested in working for a thriving and exciting international company to check out careers on our website.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
In September 2014, I attended an HR team meeting in Dubai, UAE. I remember being on the 14th floor of the hotel where the meeting took place and looking out the conference room window. You could see the Burj Al-Arab, the Palm and Earth (both man-made communities in the Persian Gulf created in those respective shapes jutting out into the water) and the entire coastline stretched out before me. I remember thinking, “Wow! I am truly grateful for my job and the ability to see sites I wouldn’t normally see on my own.” It was a memorable experience.
Monroe answered some more questions in the 30 second get-to-know-you portion of the spotlight.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Having to repeat myself. I have a daughter and coach 10 year old girls softball – they would all be able to attest to that fact.
What is your favorite holiday (and why)?
I like Halloween the best because the weather is changing in Florida at that time, you get to dress up and pretend to be someone or something else, and for me it signals the true start of the holiday season.
What has been your most life-changing experience?
Unfortunately in early 2014 I went through a painful divorce. Though it was a trying time, I learned a great deal about myself through that experience and have a completely new perspective regarding how I spend my time, what is valuable to me and how strong and resilient I am. I know I am a survivor and can weather any storm. Looking back, I realize I had to go through what I went through in order to learn the lessons I needed to learn – like most worthwhile life lessons. I now have a new love interest, compete in Triathlons and Cycling Events, put my health and wellness first and, as a result, my life is only getting better.