With a career spanning 15 years in management roles at global giants like McDonald’s and Aldi, Danielle StGeorge built her expertise in leading teams, solving challenges, and nurturing talent. But it was her passion for helping others grow that sparked a bold career change into recruitment. Now a key player at Orion Group, Danielle combines her wealth of experience with a people-first approach, connecting top talent to life-changing opportunities in the life sciences sector.
We sat down with Danielle and asked her a few questions on her career so far.
Career Journey
Q: You’ve had an impressive journey in management with major corporations like McDonald’s and Aldi. What drew you to move into recruitment after 15 years in management?
A: After being in management positions for 15 years, I always had employees and fellow managers ask me for personal or career advice, so I decided to follow my passion for helping others. I was tasked with hiring, training, and developing our team, which was the most rewarding experience. The opportunity to build the team gave me a sense of accomplishment knowing that I was helping the company and giving that person the chance to develop their career.
Q: Can you tell us more about what you loved about helping others develop their skill sets in your management roles? How does that passion carry over into your work as a recruiter?
A: What I loved most about management was being able to help my fellow managers and employees become the best versions of themselves. In management, you are constantly setting the organization's expectations and requirements, so taking all that I learned and bringing it to recruitment allows me to understand the hiring managers' and candidates' expectations. Also, being communicative and knowing what is happening in the business translated to recruiting by pushing me to consistently follow up with candidates to ensure the best possible experience for both parties.
Q: Your early recruiting experience was in light industrial and general labor roles with a local agency in Chicago. How did that shape your skills and perspective as you began recruiting for Life Sciences?
A: One thing that I learned from the light industrial and general labor industries is persistence. This positively shaped my perspective in life sciences, which is to be persistent no matter how challenging the role or requirements of the position might seem. I learned to make sure that I ask the right questions, thoroughly understand the role and what the manager is looking for in a candidate and ask the candidate the right questions to ensure they would enjoy the position before submitting them for consideration.
The step into Life Science Recruitment
Q: Since joining Orion Group in 2021, you've specialized in corporate functions for pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech clients. How has this specialty expanded your recruiting expertise?
A: Working in corporate functions has allowed me access to different walks of life in the corporate world. I have had the chance to speak with many amazing people who are always willing to offer their knowledge and advice in their area of expertise to help me better understand the corporate world as a whole.
Q: What would you say is unique about recruiting for life sciences compared to other industries you’ve worked in?
A: Life science recruiting is unique because it allows me to hire for roles that help contribute to solving the complex issues related to human health. Knowing that I helped find the next generation of great minds within the corporate field of life science positions is a bonus.
Q: After so many years managing people in large organizations, what do you think is key when helping candidates find their ideal “second home” in the workplace?
A: I believe that the key to helping candidates find their second home is listening to understand and not listening to respond. After managing many diverse people, I learned that not everyone will learn the same or give the same effort. If an employee does not feel valued or like their opinion does not matter, they will not put forth the same effort as someone who does. A work environment with unity, understanding, and a sense of collaboration will always be more successful than one without.
Q: At Orion, you mention feeling like part of a family. Can you share an example of how this environment positively impacts your work and relationships with clients and candidates?
A: As mentioned above regarding work as a second home, the same applies to me. Knowing I have a supportive team and a boss who fosters an environment of progression and communication allows me to work to the best of my capabilities. My candidate might not always land the position, but having a team that pushes me to keep trying positively impacts my efforts to succeed and continue working with my candidates until I find them the proper role or to continue helping the client find the right candidate.
Winning qualities for Life Science Candidates
Q: What are some qualities you look for in candidates for administrative, HR, or finance roles in the life sciences industry?
A: Personality and willingness to learn. From my experience, the people who get the job have the most outgoing personalities and are always willing to learn something new. Anyone can look good on paper, but once you get to the interview, it is not always black and white; you need to be able to back it up and make a connection. Speak about your experiences, good or bad, and how you can positively impact the current needs of the role and what you can learn from it.
Q: With over 15 years in management and recruiting, what advice do you have for someone looking to switch into recruitment or another new field?
The power of resilience for candidates
A: Just go for it. I was nervous about starting something new, but if you truly want something, you need to go for it no matter how many “no’s” you get. Change cannot happen until you are willing to act on it. Walt Disney did not become successful after the first try; he was rejected more than 300 times before being successful, so if it is something you truly want, don’t give up!
Finally, outside of work, you enjoy spending time with your family. How does that work-life balance inspire or influence your approach to helping others find fulfilling careers?
I believe having a work-life balance is essential to succeed in your career and to have a happy household. From my own work-life balance perspective, I always try to make a personal connection and listen to what they have going on in their careers and personal lives. I learned this is fundamental in understanding what job will best fit their needs and career goals to ensure that it works out for both the employer and employee.
Danielle StGeorge’s journey from managing teams in global corporations to excelling as a recruitment specialist is a testament to her passion for people and growth. Her ability to connect with candidates and clients alike reflects her commitment to fostering meaningful career opportunities. At Orion Group, Danielle continues to make a positive impact, helping candidates find their ideal roles and empowering clients to build exceptional teams. Her story is a reminder that career paths are as dynamic as the people who pursue them—when passion meets purpose, success follows....
If you’re looking for expert guidance in finding your next role or building a talented team within the Life Sciences industry, connect with Danielle StGeorge and the dedicated recruitment specialists at Orion Group. Let us help you achieve your career and business goals—reach out to us today
