24/11/2022
We sat down with Garret Kilmer to talk about his shift from an IE University student to an IE University professor. He told us about his IE Experience as a whole and about how it led him to his role at L’Oreal in Paris.
Garret Kilmer first earned a Bachelor of Psychology at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Interested in the research and organizational side of the field, he went on to pursue his Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). He had the chance to intern at a company in Germany while he was studying HR, and it was there that he learned about IE University.
A year after his internship, Garret enrolled in the Master in Talent Development & Human Resources. Not long after, he joined L’Oreal Paris as part of the organizational development team, where he’s worked ever since. As a way to stay connected to IE University, and share the knowledge he gained, he now teaches in the same program he once studied.
We had the chance to chat with Garret to learn about his journey from studying HR to teaching it, as well as his exciting role at a top multinational company.
What motivated you to complete two master’s degrees?
Growing up, I was an eagle scout and was always involved in leadership activities and team building. While it might not seem like it, these are HR-related topics. Later, when I was studying at FIT, I gained theoretical knowledge through my degree and my internship. But I wanted to bring that experience closer to HR, so I decided to study HR specifically.
After researching the syllabus and professors in the Master in Talent Development & Human Resources, I knew it was for me. Since completing the program, my professional profile has combined both science-based and business practices.
So what are you up to post-graduation?
I’m currently working at L’Oreal Paris on the organizational development team. My role is to develop surveys for 80,000+ employees around the world. My main focus is on developing an engagement survey and a leadership survey, both on a global scale.
It’s more than just collecting the data and making the survey. My role is to ask: What do we do now? How do we bring them to where they want to be in terms of engagement? How do we get to the next level? We are a small team with a big impact.
How did IE University prepare you for your career?
IE University provided me with a new perspective on many different areas and how they connect to other things. I was taught how to take what I’ve learned and use it where it’s applicable, whether learning and development or diversity and inclusion. I also learned how to use metrics in order to improve these areas.
What compelled you to go from studying HR to teaching it?
I have strong opinions about how HR should be, what’s important for the next generation and what I think everyone should know. I’m a big fan of being the change you want to see. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but I never expected it to happen so fast. I felt like simply taking the courses wasn’t enough for me—I wanted more. So, I decided to volunteer to teach a class to the students. The feedback was positive and the opportunity was there. The next year, I was co-teaching a course.
Also, it’s in the spirit of IE University that you don’t have to be older or have a ton of experience to be someone that others can learn from. Learning happens from anyone, any place and at any time. If I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about a certain topic than others have, I want to share what I know. My approach is based on using science and hands-on practice, and I think I helped bring a scientific approach to both studying HR and teaching it.
Biggest takeaways from your time at IE University?
That you can learn from anyone around you. Hearing other people’s experiences is also a learning method. Knowledge is not just something shared by the professor. It’s all around you.
If you could go back in time and change anything, what would you change?
I would’ve participated more in clubs and gotten more involved within the IE Community. I think they have so many opportunities that you should take advantage of once you’re there. There are so many events put on that students should go to.
Any advice for current and future students?
Don’t be afraid to rock the boat or make changes happen. If I hadn’t put myself out there, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become a professor and bring change to the course. There are always ways to contribute, and you might have the very skills to make that change. Don’t be afraid to take risks. You can make valuable changes when you do.
