Kelly Hardy serves as the associate director of student programs and career services for the Jenkins MAC Program for over 9 years. Hardy received her Bachelor of Arts in communications from NC State in May 2000.
As the associate director, Hardy’s core responsibilities include helping MAC students find employment after graduation and maintaining our high job placement rates, developing and cultivating positive employer partnerships, managing the Accounting Internship Recruitment Program, and planning and organizing MAC recruitment events and other student experience events.
Work at Poole College
Why did you decide to join Poole College?
The No. 1 reason I joined Poole College is that I have a passion for helping students successfully navigate the recruitment process and obtain their career goals. So many students sell themselves short because they don’t recognize their own accomplishments and can’t fully articulate all their strengths. My job is to help them build confidence from their successes and explore all their employment options in an exciting professional and efficient way!
Additionally, I believe we have some of the best resources for success within this college, across campus, and amongst our alumni community. My charge is to help students tap into those resources to help provide a great college and MAC program experience, and to set them up for professional success after they graduate.
What is the most common question you receive at work?
The most common question I receive at work is “What’s the best way to connect with your accounting students about our accounting opportunities?”
My response is… If you’re looking to fill a one-time position you should post your opportunity on ePACK and then we can direct students to apply to the opportunity. Employers will have the opportunity to review resumes in one location and can set up interviews through this channel.
Do you currently serve on any of the university committees, peer groups, etc.?
Currently, I am involved with the MAC Curriculum Committee, MAC Advisory Board, and the Jenkins Graduation Hooding Ceremony Committee.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience at Poole College?
Getting to know so many people from all walks of life whether they are a student or a colleague. I love hearing about their personal journey of how they got here and what keeps them motivated. I also enjoy being surrounded by smart people that enjoy a good laugh and can appreciate the simple things like a nice walk across campus.
What do you see as the greatest strengths of Poole College?
There are many strengths here in the Poole College of Management, but if I have to choose one it is the new initiatives being driven by Tayah Butler with the Diversity and Inclusion Programs. I am proud to be a part of a community that is honoring marginalized people groups; and educating our students, faculty and staff on how we can identify our own social biases and develop more of an inclusive mindset in both our personal and professional lives.
Professional Accomplishments
What project that you completed at Poole you are most proud of?
A project that I am probably most proud of is the development of the Accounting Internship Recruitment Program. When I initially started in 2007 the framework of this program was in place but over time my team and I were able to expand upon the program by giving it a name, creating marketing around it, expanding the opportunity to include students from outside schools, and implementing a Mentor Program. Since returning to the college a year ago, the AIR Program has built a solid history of success that many undergraduate accounting students eagerly want to become apart of.
If you have been nominated or received any professional awards, please list them.
I have received the Business Coordinator of the Year award by NABA in 2005 and the Pride of the Wolfpack award in 2010. I was also nominated for the NC State Awards for Excellence in 2014.
Life Outside of Poole
Where were you born and what countries/state/cities did you live it?
I was born in Fort Worth, Texas and moved to Raleigh, NC in the late 80s.
When you are not at Poole College, what do you enjoy doing for fun?
Outside of work, I love attending my kids’ sporting events and after school activities. They keep our schedule full, so when I have the opportunity I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, working out, and watching a couple of episodes of the Blacklist.
I also enjoy serving on different missions projects with my church and leading small groups with my husband.
What do you consider as your greatest accomplishment outside of work?
Hands down being a mom to my twin boys, Adam and Caleb, and my daughter, Emma, is the greatest accomplishment and hardest job I have. On a more day to day basis, I feel a great sense of accomplishment by starting the day off with a good work out or learning something new that I know will help others.
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