Every AlphaBEST employee has a different story, but many share one thing in common: a passion for helping children and supporting their communities. For HR Recruiting Specialist Rebecca Thompson, that passion has taken her from leading programs in Oklahoma to now helping future employees begin their own AlphaBEST journeys as a recruiter. She shares how her career has evolved, what she looks for in candidates, and why she still believes the best part of the job is the people.
You started your AlphaBEST journey working in programs before moving into recruiting. How does having been in the field change the way you connect with candidates?
I started my career as a Site Director in Norman, Oklahoma. From day one, I absolutely fell in love with what I did. I loved being part of an amazing team and creating a positive and welcoming environment for our students and their families. Every day brought new opportunities to inspire children and work alongside passionate teammates who truly cared about making a difference.
When the opportunity to step into the Area Manager role opened up, I jumped at the chance! I was excited to grow as a leader, expand my skills, and become the strong leader that every team deserves.
Then another exciting opportunity came my way – joining the Human Resources recruiting team! By this point, I knew how much I loved my career path with AlphaBEST, so I thought, “What better way to give back than by helping others discover the same amazing opportunities that changed my life?”
Starting my AlphaBEST journey in programs before moving into recruiting has been one of the greatest advantages in the way I connect with candidates. I’m not just sharing information about a position. I’m sharing a career path that I have personally experienced. Having held many of the same roles our new hires are stepping into, I truly understand the day-to-day responsibilities, the excitement, and the challenges that come with the work.
I can’t wait to continue helping build the BEST team and the BEST communities for years to come!
What’s something you wish every candidate understood about working in an AlphaBEST program before their first day?
When you first walk into an AlphaBEST program, you may think your role is simply to supervise activities or help with homework. In reality, your impact goes further beyond that. We are helping nurture students’ curiosity and develop them into the next generation of young leaders. I’ve seen AlphaBEST staff attend student talent shows, sporting events, and award ceremonies because they genuinely care about the children that they serve. Showing children that there are people in their corner who believe in them can make a lasting impact on their lives.
I also want candidates to know that it’s okay to come in with questions and to learn. No one expects you to know everything on day one. AlphaBEST is built on teamwork and support. The relationships you build with your coworkers are a huge part of the experience.
The work is rewarding, but it is also real. There will be busy days, unexpected moments, and unique challenges that require patience and creativity. But those are the moments where you see the true impact of what we do. Seeing a child gain confidence and knowing you helped make their day better makes this work so special.
When you’re interviewing candidates, what qualities make someone stand out?
When I’m interviewing candidates, I look beyond what is listed on a resume because the heart of an amazing AlphaBEST team member isn’t always found on paper. I’m looking for people who connect with our mission: to engage children’s minds and expand their horizons in safe and discovery-filled environments. I want to understand who they are as a person, what inspires them, and whether they have a genuine passion for working with children.
The candidates who stand out are the ones who ask questions. They also share their excitement and understand that this role is about building relationships. When I hear someone say they want to be someone who makes a child’s day better, I know they have the potential to be an incredible part of the AlphaBEST team.
What advice would you give applicants before the interview?
Before the interview, I’d encourage every applicant to take the time to truly get to know AlphaBEST. Visit our website, explore our social media pages, and ask yourself, “Do my values align with what AlphaBEST stands for?”
Outside of work, what are a few things people might be surprised to learn about you?
One thing people might be surprised to learn about me is that I have been a youth competitive basketball coach for over 15 years! My “happy place” is on the basketball court, whether I’m coaching, playing, or simply watching my players grow and develop. There is something special about seeing a player accomplish something that they once thought was impossible.
I am also a proud pomeranian mom! My little ones are small, but they have BIG personalities. They have taught me patience, unconditional love, and the ability to handle a little extra noise with a smile!
Interested in Joining the AlphaBEST Team?
Every AlphaBEST employee has a unique story, and Rebecca’s journey shows how one opportunity can grow into a meaningful career. Ready to write your own story? Explore our current openings and see where AlphaBEST can take you at AlphaBEST.org/careers.
