Patti Ososki, Human Resources Director for the Roscommon County Commission on Aging.
Welcome to Baker College’s Spotlight feature, a series of brief interviews with notable BC students, faculty and alumni who are making news and reaching new heights in their educational and professional pursuits.
This edition of Spotlight features Patti Ososki, who earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Baker College, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. Ososki is HR Director for the Roscommon County Commission on Aging (RCCOA). Here we learn more about Patti and her professional path and passions.
Baker College (BC): Thanks for talking with us, Patti. We know you earned two degrees from Baker College…what can you tell our readers about your time with Baker and how you got there?
Patti Ososki (PO): I have my BBA and MBA from Baker College. In addition, I have three associate degrees from Kirtland Community College. I just kept getting two-year degrees until Baker was available online!
BC: Five degrees is an impressive feat! What can you tell us about why you chose Baker College for your educational pursuits?
PO: Baker was the best choice for me, as I was working full time and wanted to attend expedited classes online. I also wanted an accredited college, and Baker fit all those needs. It was a great choice.
BC: Tell us a bit about your career path and current role.
PO: While attending classes, I worked as an office manager, but after graduating, I began working in the HR field for a Tier 1 automotive supplier. I served in that role for the last 17 years, before just recently moving into a Human Resources Generalist position with the RCCOA, a non-profit community agency serving older adults.
BC: So, you’ve been working in Human Resources for nearly 20 years now…were you always interested in the HR field? What inspired you to consider HR as a profession?
PO: Initially, I was interested in both Accounting and HR. I decided to move forward with HR, because I felt it offered more opportunities for regularly interacting with more people each day.
BC: It seems you made the right choice! What would you say you like best about your job/career? What do you find most challenging?
PO: I enjoy the different challenges that arise every day. I also like helping individuals successfully navigate through the various systems, and addressing any issues they may have. The most challenging part is definitely hiring and retaining employees during these difficult times.
BC: What were your career goals when you first enrolled at BC? How do they compare to where you are today?
PO: When I first started at Baker, I wasn’t really sure which direction I wanted to go, Accounting or HR. I soon discovered that I was a much better fit for the HR field, and began navigating in that direction. My time spent in the fast-paced auto industry was a much different experience than the non-profit I currently work for. I think this recent career move is a great decision for me. I am right where I am supposed to be at this time, winding down my HR career and looking forward to retirement in the upcoming years.
BC: We’re happy for your success! How do you feel your time at/degrees from Baker College have contributed to your professional achievements?
PO: Without Baker, I definitely would not be where I am today. More likely, I would’ve ended up working a dead-end job with no benefits and no future.
BC: What best piece of advice would you share with current college students?
PO: Keep going. I heard someone say once that, even taking just one class at a time, eventually you’ll get there. If you just keep going, someday, someone will tap you on the shoulder and hand you a college degree. It can and will happen!
BC: And you would certainly know what it takes to earn a degree (or two…or five!). What would you want others to know about Baker College?
PO: Baker College is convenient for everyone, and their online classes fit every schedule. There is no excuse not to attend.
BC: Thanks again for sharing your insights with us, Patti. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
PO: I’d like to remind everyone that pursuing an education is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It continues to provide benefits for a lifetime.
For more information about Baker College’s bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Human Resource Management, including our accelerated 4+1 option, visit our College of Business page.
