Geralyn Heystek (B.B.A. ’79; M.B.A. ’83; M.A. ’14, College Counseling) received the award during the MCEEA annual conference in June. The award is given to the career professional who demonstrates initiative in career services and encourages employer development in Michigan. The recipient is also recognized for mentorship to Michigan career services professionals around the state.
“Geralyn is committed to building relationships with employers and ensuring that students develop the professionalism needed for success,” says Dr. Satish Deshpande, interim dean of the college. “We are all extremely proud of her efforts on behalf of business students, employers and career services professionals.”
Some of Heystek’s accomplishments include strategically enhancing and expanding new and established relationships with employers, spearheading the heralded Business Externship Program, encouraging staff members to develop professional certifications, and ensuring valuable programming for business students.
“I was surprised but very proud to accept this award, which was supported by our colleagues at the Kellogg Company,” says Heystek. “I am grateful for the dedicated team of staff, students and faculty with whom I work, the outstanding employers who are eager to hire our students, and our wonderful business students who grow professionally during their time in the college. There is no better job in the world."
In her role, Heystek leads a team of employer relations specialists and career advisors who strive to empower students to launch successful careers through partnerships with employers, alumni, faculty, staff and registered student organizations.
Heystek joined WMU in 1986 as an instructor of marketing, a role she held until 1998 when she became the college of business’s internship coordinator. In 2003, she moved into an academic advising role before joining the career center staff as a student career advisor in 2009. She was named director in 2013. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, an MBA and an M.A. from WMU, Heystek holds the following certifications: Myers-Briggs Master Practitioner Certification, Strong Interest Inventory Certification, and Global Career Development Facilitator from the National Career Development Association.
Story and photo courtesy WMU Haworth College of Business.