Q&A with Brittney Woods-Clark: Network, intern, and stay involved
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa alumna Brittney Woods-Clark is the Corporate HR Trainer for Prince Resorts Hawaii. Originally from the Bay Area, she received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Shidler College of Business with a focus on Human Resource Management. In her spare time she is a part-time fitness instructor for F45.
We asked Brittney a few questions about her time at UH, her career path and what she loves most about her work.
What’s one of your fondest memories of your time at UH?
I have so many great memories from college! My fondest memories revolve around the great people I met. One of my best friends I met while working on campus at UH Manoa - I’m so happy that college brought us into each other’s lives.
How has your UH education helped you in your career?
The business program at Shidler directly impacted the career I’m in today. From our group projects and learning to work with different personalities and challenges along with wins, to networking events to internships, I learned so many valuable things that apply to my career today.
Describe your career path. How did you end up doing the work you’re doing today?
I decided to go back to school after working full-time out of high school for a few years, unsure of what I wanted to get my degree in. I decided to go to UH Manoa for Business, focusing on Human Resource Management. Right after graduation, I got a job as an HR Coordinator for Kyo-Ya Hotels and Resorts working for Sheraton Waikiki and Royal Hawaiian hotels. The company provided an opportunity to transfer back to San Francisco, CA where I was exposed to more areas of Human Resources ranging from payroll, to HRIS transition to onboarding and full-cycle recruitment. I took on a multi-property HR Manager role in Colorado before moving back to Hawai‘i for my current role as a Corporate HR Trainer.
What do you love most about your work?
What I love most about my work is providing opportunity to make changes in our employee’s lives – whether it’s for technical/operational training to enhance their abilities on the floor, providing resources for Wellness or working with outside vendors for specific training needs, I love being able to help impact positive change at work.
What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your work? The most challenging?
The most rewarding aspect of work is being able to stay involved with all levels of our company – from line-level to Executive. I think it’s a unique and rewarding position to be in as Managers can sometimes become disconnected with the day to day from a front line employee’s perspective. The most challenging can be balancing the different requests for each property’s needs.
What advice would you give students who are considering taking a similar career path?
The biggest advice I would give is to NETWORK and INTERN early and often. If you are not able to dedicate to joining a full time group, try to volunteer for an event within your college at least once or twice a year. Strive to have an internship starting sophomore year that lasts at least during your summer break and one you can continue to help with here and there, if able.
You never know who you will end up meeting, and being on an Island, networking is especially important!