15 years ago, she started as a temp—find out why this HR professional is still at the same local biz

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Bethany has worked at EBSCO since she graduated from High School. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

When she graduated from Spain Park High School, Bethany Champion wasn’t sure what she wanted to do next. Little did she know, her first temp assignment would lead to a rewarding 15-year career at EBSCO Industries. Find out what has kept her at the same company and why she loves it.

Bethany’s story

We went up to EBSCO’s gorgeous HQ overlooking Oak Mountain State Park on an insanely rainy day to meet with Bethany. In addition to the beautiful views, we enjoyed soaking in Bethany’s enthusiasm for the company where she works.

Want to work for a company that invests in its people? EBSCO Industries is hiring.

Meet Bethany Champion

Bethany Champion, EBSCO
Bethany Champion at EBSCO (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Bethany grew up in Alabama and has lived here her whole life. Her husband owns his own business, and they have two children.

When she’s not working, you’ll find her running around with her family and being a mom to a five-year-old and a two-year-old.

Getting connected with EBSCO

“When I graduated high school, I was unsure about what I wanted to do, so my mom said ‘you don’t have to go to college right now, but you will get a job. After some testing at a local temp agency, they said ‘we think we have a great fit for you. Can you start tomorrow at this company called EBSCO?’”

Bethany Champion

She had never heard of them, so she showed up with no real expectations. She started as a file clerk, then worked her way up through data entry, HR, then talent management—and the rest is history. She currently serves as a Talent Management Specialist.

Tuition reimbursement

Bethany Champion, EBSCO
Bethany Champion has been able to grow in her career at EBSCO. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

When she was newly married and working in HR, Bethany’s manager encouraged her, saying “If you like this HR gig, you want to look at going back to school.” She decided to work full time and go to night classes through Faulkner University online.

She was proud to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in business management with an emphasis in HR.

EBSCO’s commitment to their employees

EBSCO HQ
Looking out from EBSCO’s HQ. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

One of the things that has impressed Bethany the most during her 15 years at EBSCO is how much the company cares about the people who work there.

“EBSCO is really committed to their employees. They really invest in their overall well being, whether it’s through programs like tuition reimbursement or investing in employees’ work-life balance.

They paid for a majority of my schooling through the tuition reimbursement program. Because I had my manager’s support, they would help if I needed time for a class or something else that would make school work with my schedule. Overall, it was a great experience.”

Bethany Champion

The last word

Bethany said her friends used to make fun of her when they were in college. Then, when they got out and tried to find a job in the workplace, she’d already been at EBSCO for four or five years.

“Then I said ‘who’s making fun of who now?'”

Bethany Champion

Start or continue your career today with EBSCO Industries.

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Sharron Swain
Sharron Swain

Writer, Interviewer + Adventurer | Telling stories to make a difference

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