Culture
A Day in the Life: Regional Recruitment Manager Katie Fleming
This story is a part of our “A Day in the Life'' series that highlights the career journeys of 2U employees across the world. This article celebrates one of our 2020 No Back Row Award winners—an employee recognized for embracing one of 2U’s nine Guiding Principles. Katie Fleming was one of two 2Utes selected as the winners of the Relationships Matter award.
After graduating from college in 2011, Katie started working in the registrar’s office at a small southern university. “There, I grew my career by advising students, overseeing residents on campus, and eventually adjunct instructing,” she says. “Through every experience, one thing remained true: I loved impacting and changing students’ lives.”
Eager to pursue her passion at scale, Katie started working at 2U in 2017. “I’ve held multiple roles and worked on numerous teams throughout my time here,” shares Katie. “That includes academic operations specialist, regional coordinator for the southwest, and now regional recruitment manager for the southwest.”
Read on to learn what Katie loves most about working at 2U—and why she considers relationships key to the company’s overarching success.
Why did you join 2U? What is it about the company that sparked your interest?
I joined 2U because I believe in what we do. I love education and I love helping people! I don’t think education should be limited to a two- or four-year degree. Finding the right avenue of education for each individual is key, whether that’s a four-year degree program, six- to eight-week course, or 18- to 24-week boot camp. I love working for a company that offers different options for students.
Beyond that, it’s fulfilling to know the work we do benefits instructional staff as well. The teaching assistants and instructors who work in our programs are building their classroom management skills and leadership skills while advancing their own careers, which is so rewarding to see.
How would you describe your role at 2U?
As a regional recruitment manager, I get to work with a number of different teams and departments to ensure that students have a life-changing experience in 2U-powered programs. I manage a wonderful team of recruiters who search for talented professionals in the tech industry who have the desire to educate and coach within the field. These candidates become some of the best and brightest instructional staff for our boot camps.
I collaborate with multiple field team members to ensure that we’re establishing a pipeline and bench of instructional talent while delivering the best experience for our candidates. Ultimately, this contributes to students being fully supported by the instructional staff and achieving their educational and career goals.
What do you find most rewarding and challenging about your job?
One of the most challenging—yet very rewarding—aspects of my job is creating an atmosphere of independent team members who excel at finding exceptional talent and staff for our boot camps. They work hard to attract, evaluate, and hire world-class instructional staff to deliver a transformational learning experience for students of 2U-powered programs. I take great pride in seeing my team find the best instructors and teaching assistants, then watching those team members make a positive impact on students.
Each of 2U’s 2020 No Back Row Award winners were recognized for their commitment to one of the company’s nine Guiding Principles. What does this honor mean to you, and how would you describe the one you epitomize: Relationships Matter?
I’m humbled to be recognized with a Relationships Matter award and thankful I work for a company that truly embodies and celebrates its guiding principles.
Relationships Matter emphasizes the importance of getting to know people on an individual basis. People are vital to our business—whether they’re employees, coworkers, students, or university partners. Investing in a relationship can be as simple as wishing someone a happy birthday or sending them a cupcake when they have a bad day. Engagement comes in many forms. Having Relationships Matter as a guiding principle speaks to the heart and success of our company. I’m thankful that 2U cultivates a positive work environment for all of us to work cohesively.