Meet Jeff Miller, a valued member of the UNT alumni community, who hails from Richardson, Texas, and graduated from UNT in 1992. Although Jeff initially pursued a BBA with a focus in marketing research, his journey into the realm of Human Resources began after
graduation. He attributes his foundational understanding of human behavior to the psychology courses he took as electives during his time at UNT.
Jeff's career in HR spans over 14 years, during which he held various leadership positions, including roles with Insperity, a company specializing in outsourced HR services. It was during his tenure as an HR leader for an oil and gas service company that Jeff truly honed his skills and adapted HR practices to meet the dynamic needs of the business. This transition from a white-collar to a blue-collar environment provided invaluable learning experiences and shaped Jeff's approach to HR as a strategic partner aligned with the organization's goals.
While Jeff did not participate in a formal HR internship program during his academic years, he gained valuable insights into the corporate world through a summer position at a financial services organization. This experience instilled in him essential lessons about work ethic, customer relations, and the inner workings of a business environment.
For Jeff, the most rewarding aspect of working in HR lies in facilitating the growth and development of individuals and teams. He finds fulfillment in witnessing positive transformations and believes in the power of influence to drive meaningful change.
Reflecting on his career, Jeff identifies several qualities that contribute to success in HR, including adaptability, responsiveness, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships, effective communication, and continuous learning as key elements for professional growth in the field.
One surprising aspect of working in HR for Jeff has been the initial skepticism and mistrust often encountered from employees. Overcoming this barrier and building trust through genuine support and assistance has been a rewarding challenge throughout his career.
As advice for aspiring HR professionals, Jeff highlights the significance of developing strong relationships, effective communication skills, and a strong work ethic. He encourages individuals to prioritize understanding the needs of internal customers and to approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.
While Jeff acknowledges the importance of career achievements, he finds the most fulfillment in the meaningful connections forged with employees and leaders, where he has been able to make a positive impact on the workplace environment.