Georgia Southern alumna Tlicia Butler (’22) grew up in the small town of Reidsville, Georgia, about an hour’s drive from Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Bryan County. With years of experience in human resources, mainly in Atlanta, she never imagined she would find career success close to home.
“The plant was looking for local talent who grew up in communities around here,” she said. “I applied with my background being in human resources and had the skill set for what they were looking for. I do think Hyundai values the education, the talent that comes out of Georgia Southern.”
Now serving as the assistant manager of talent management and compensation, Butler plays a key role in ensuring that Hyundai’s organizational structure is aligned with its systems and that all human resources data are accurate. Heavily involved in the “back-end of things,” as she puts it, there is a lot of movement in her day-to-day work.
“I manage the workforce headcount organizational structure, programs with the company, promotions, lateral moves and anything dealing with compensation,” she explained. “I also handle salary banding and planning as it relates to compensation.”
Butler started Georgia Southern as an accounting major in the early 2000s but left after three years to pursue a career. She landed in human resources and grew in the field, working in several industries including utilities, corrections and health care. While her career thrived without the degree, earning it was always in the back of her mind.
“I came back home after the pandemic and decided I needed the degree to apply for jobs to match my skill set and talent,” she said. “I had 10 classes left and was able to complete my degree in interdisciplinary studies.”
She credits her initial years on campus for broadening her perspective beyond her small hometown of Reidsville. Interacting with diverse individuals and personalities prepared her for the multicultural environment at Hyundai. She has been able to visit South Korea and interact with colleagues there.
“It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience,” Butler said. “It was packed with Korean culture. The fact that an employer was willing to make that type of budget to allow their employees to go and learn was great. It was an awesome experience for sure.”
At Hyundai, Butler appreciates being not just a human resources professional but also being a member of a company that is building a stronger workforce in the community.