MLS Spotlight - Mekallah Thornton

What inspired you to pursue a Masters in Legal Studies, and how does it complement your role as a Human Resource Coordinator at Seton Hall University?

Getting my master’s degree is something I’ve considered for a while, but I struggled to decide what to focus on. Initially, I considered an MBA or MPA, but neither felt right for me. I didn’t realize compliance might interest me until I assisted at a new hire orientation and heard Toni Hindsman’s compliance presentation. After discussing my interest in compliance with her, she sent me the link to the SHU Law program. When I reviewed the curriculum, I saw courses like conducting internal investigations and managing legal issues in the workplace, which I felt would benefit my current role. Although I’m not directly involved in these areas now, they align with my future career goals, and I look forward to gaining knowledge that I can apply later.

Can you share a project or initiative you implemented that positively impacted employee onboarding or recruitment?

During the height of the pandemic, when remote work was new to many, I implemented an online onboarding and training system. This allowed new hires to attend training and orientation remotely. While workers like contract tracers operated remotely, temperature screeners worked in person. We set up weekly meetings to ensure they were adjusting to their roles, staying safe, and provided them with personal protective equipment.

Your expertise includes HR Data Analysis and Metrics. How do you leverage data in your day-to-day HR operations, and what has been the most valuable insight you’ve gained through data analysis?

Data analytics and metrics are crucial, especially in talent acquisition. In my previous role at an employment agency, we measured recruitment metrics like time-to-fill (how long it takes to fill a position) and job retention (how long employees stay in their roles). Turnover analysis is also essential—tracking positions with high turnover rates and conducting exit interviews to gather feedback helps us identify issues and develop strategies to improve retention.

You have experience managing workers' compensation and employee/labor relations. How do you navigate these sensitive areas to ensure both compliance and employee satisfaction?

When handling workers' compensation, I ensure all claims are processed promptly. I maintain open lines of communication with the employee, providing detailed information about the claims process and reassuring them that I am always available for support. Whether answering questions or reaching out to workers’ compensation representatives on their behalf, offering this level of assistance fosters employee satisfaction.

What has been your biggest challenge in talent acquisition, and how have you creatively solved it to meet hiring goals?

My biggest challenge in talent acquisition occurred when I joined an organization that wasn’t fully utilizing its applicant tracking system (ATS). Candidate information was uploaded multiple times, records were inaccurate, and candidates weren’t properly attached to jobs. This wasn’t due to a lack of effort but because no one knew how to use the system correctly. I connected with our account manager, who trained me on the system’s capabilities. After gaining that knowledge, I organized training sessions for our team, which enhanced efficiency and improved the candidate experience, ultimately helping us meet our hiring goals.

How do you balance the strategic aspects of your role, such as budgeting and compliance, with the more interpersonal side of human resources?

Managing the department budget requires team collaboration. Although I oversee the budget, it’s essential to keep the entire department informed to ensure we stay within limits. I track expenditures, communicate when we approach budget constraints, and collaborate on strategies to avoid overspending. Maintaining open communication allows me to balance the strategic and interpersonal aspects of my role.

In your previous roles, you’ve worked with both temporary and permanent employees. How does managing contingent staff differ from permanent employees, and what are your strategies for maintaining strong relationships in both cases?

Managing contingent staff often requires a quicker pace, as assignments can range from three months to a year, whereas permanent roles provide more time for the hiring process, with employees remaining long-term. Whether dealing with contingent or permanent staff, my goal is to build strong, positive relationships by promoting teamwork and keeping communication open. Everyone should feel included and valued, whether they’re with us for three months or three years.

What skills have you developed through your HR experience that you believe will help you excel in the legal aspects of your studies?

Working in HR has helped me develop many skills that will be valuable in my legal studies, such as effective communication, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. These skills will assist in analyzing complex legal documents and reviewing court cases to identify facts and legal issues. While I already possess these skills, I believe my legal studies will help me further refine and strengthen them.

As someone who’s worked in both corporate and academic environments, what unique challenges or opportunities have you encountered in the HR field within higher education?

Transitioning from corporate to academia was a significant adjustment. The organizational culture, hiring, and recruitment practices were all different. One of my biggest challenges has been labor relations, an area in which I had little hands-on experience. Learning about labor relations through a textbook is one thing, but dealing with it firsthand is entirely different. Understanding the different unions, who they represent, and the terms of their contracts has been a new and ongoing learning experience.

What advice would you give to fellow students who are balancing a full-time job with pursuing a graduate degree, especially in a field as dynamic as human resources?

My advice is to 1. manage your time wisely, set time aside for studying and completing your course work, and stick with that schedule as best as you can. If you have to wake up 3 hours earlier to read a few chapters, then do that. 2. Take time for yourself - of course work and school are top priorities but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Whether it’s taking a 30-minute walk, having a relaxing day, going to the gym, or spending time with family/friends. We tend to get so caught up in the day-to-day that we forget to slow down and take time for ourselves.