Taylor Burns

How did you first become connected with FAME?

I think I connected with FAME through the financial aid office. There's a question in your financial aid application that I believe triggers FAME as a beneficial resource and checking that box might've been one of the greatest things I've ever done.  

What services do you recall utilizing through FAME?

I'm sure I used all of their resources and went to as many events as I could. From the mentor program to financial teachers to donor events - I was a very active member of FAME. I even ran for a spot on the board (I forget the name) and was voted President, allowing me to be a voice for all the students that were part of FAME. Looking back, all these were networking events that can come in handy in the future.

How was FAME beneficial?

FAME literally changed my life. I truly believe their mentorship program only works if you use it. I remember connecting with my mentor my freshman year and being in my shell and thinking that this person wasn't going to be able to help me. That mentor connected me with the person who helped launch my career in HR! Looking back on who I was then and who I am now, I'm so happy to have made that connection and actually utilize it as a resource.

What kept you engaged in FAME (with being so busy with academics and other on-campus organizations)?

FAME offered me people that looked like me and had similar backgrounds to me. Whether we discussed our backgrounds amongst each other or not, there was hope in knowing that there was someone who was similar to me. FAME felt like family - supportive, non judgemental, encouraging. Who doesn't actively stay engaged with their family when they make you feel like family? 

When did you graduate from MSU?

I graduated from MSU Spring 2020 - right in the heart of COVID. Such a devastating time - senior year, no graduation and no tissue (lol). With how my life was set up at the time, COVID gave me time to spend quality time with my actual family. As sad as I was about not being able to walk across the stage, my family still threw me a small graduation party and made a slideshow full of family and friends from all over, sharing their love and support. It's those moments that make missing the big ones easier to deal with. 

What has life after graduation looked like? What are you up to now?

Life after graduation has been a wild ride! I accepted a PT remote internship in October 2020 as an HR Intern at a marketing firm with big clients such as Pepsi, T-Mobile and Dickies. After accepting a FT offer with the same company in March 2021, I agreed to relocate in July! A friend and I packed up everything I had and did a 3 day road trip from Detroit to Los Angeles, CA! I'm two years with the company now and I've since been promoted to a Recruiter/HR Generalist. I recruit for a variety of roles such as graphic design, event producers, finance, public relations, marketing, creative, etc. while also handling various HR tasks such as onboarding & orientation for new hires, performance reviews, and company events. I always aspired to be a recruiter working somewhere not traditional to common Detroit jobs. Look at me now - living a dream I could never imagine actually coming true.