Michalina Witek
Recruiting Assistant, HR
Start Date: January 2, 2024
As a recent Master’s graduate, Michalina Witek began her journey into Human Resources as an intern for a startup. During her internship, she was thrown into the deep end, gaining valuable experiences that she would carry into her role as Recruiting Assistant at Stony Brook University, which she describes as being critically dependent on being a people person.
“Before Stony Brook University, I was a full time student,” Michalina shared. “...[in] the internship I did…I learned a lot of things over there, especially about customer service and how to interact with potential employees… I think it also brought me a little out of my shell because it takes courage to speak with another person and bring information out of them and make them comfortable to interact with you when they seek employment.”
But Human Resources wasn’t always the pathway Michalina saw herself heading down. Originally from Poland, Michalina initially thought she was going to be an English teacher. This prepared her to interact with individuals on a personal basis, helping her in her current role today. Additionally, Michalina’s education brought her to two different fields. In addition to HR, Michalina has degrees in health education and psychology.
“I’m interested in different things, but I think what connects all of those majors was helping people,” says Michalina. “As a Recruiting Assistant, I help people all the time. It’s very fulfilling and rewarding. I like where I landed.”
Though she had a plethora of experiences before her role in higher education, Michalina says, “I’ve always wanted to work in a dynamic educational environment.” She shared that she was attracted to working at Stony Brook University because of its commitment to excellence, as well as its values such as inclusion and diversity. In her current role, Michalina says there is no call, email or interaction that is too small and that customer service is key.
And that is critical in her role, where she is the first point of contact for many applicant inquiries. In addition, Michalina supports the recruitment team, various departments, and managers on collaborative initiatives. She also facilitates temporary employment placements and prepares new employee orientations, among other activities.
In addition to her day-to-day, Michalina is a lifelong learner, she says. And in her role, there are plenty of opportunities for that.
“There is always something to learn and to figure out,” said Michalina “I think that what I am gaining here the most is constant development.” If there is one thing Michalina does not like, it is stagnation in a role, and she says that is something she appreciates about Stony Brook - there is no stagnation here.
When Michalina isn’t performing her responsibilities at Stony Brook, she enjoys the beach or hanging out with her husband and her cat, Pusia. She is very crafty, she says, and loves painting and playing board games.