Get to know: Q&A with Evelyne Kollaras
In this week’s Get to know: Q&A with… we catch up with People & Culture Recruitment Coordinator, Evelyne Kollaras.
What is your coffee order?
Soy latte.
Can you tell us a bit about your Northern Health journey?
I started at Northern about two and a half years ago whilst I was still completing my HR degree. I was absolutely stoked to get my foot in the door as a HR Advisor, as I’d had a few questionable jobs – Red Rooster cashier, filing clerk, switchboard operator, the works! I’ve since moved into a Recruitment Coordinator position and absolutely love it.
What do you love most about your role?
I really enjoy the interactive nature of the job. I am a social person and have found that working within the recruitment function of HR is always a positive experience. Whether it’s coaching staff with the recruitment process or assisting an employee with their on-boarding, I’ve come to realise the impact that truly enjoying a career and workplace has on a person’s life, and being a part of this instils a sense of fulfilment. I also love my team!
What do you find most challenging about your role?
Just the transition from studying – coming from a theoretical background, and then having to apply it into everyday work, it’s really hard to know how and when to apply it. And meeting deadlines, but that’s not too much of a challenge when you work in such an efficient team.
What are your favourite memories since starting here?
When we started specialising within the People and Culture team, it made for a really strong team dynamic and relationship building – it’s been amazing. We do so much together and it’s really lovely. Going to events together as a team, like the Northern Health Annual Dinner, that was a really lovely memory.
I also remember when I first started – I’m a crazy Carlton supporter – and one day they came here and I got them to sign things and get photos, I had the best day. That was a personal favourite memory.
I have also really enjoyed sitting in on interviews – to be able to see what talent is coming in and seeing who is right for the organisation.
What do you like to do after work?
Sitting behind a desk all day has its drawbacks, so I like to keep fit by playing netball, running, and doing yoga (although I’m not very good). Along with fitness, I love my food, especially sweets – too bad they don’t go hand in hand.
What are some things people don’t know about you?
I actually love spending time outdoors and go on hikes whenever possible. I recently travelled to Tassie and completed a short hike down the southern coast. It was absolutely beautiful and I would recommend everyone give it a go, although it’s not for the faint-hearted. One of my all-time favourite hikes would have to be Roy’s Peak in New Zealand. The view was spectacular and the trip to McDonald’s afterwards was well deserved.
I also participate in running events and am currently training for my second half marathon in May. I hate to admit it, but Shiraz (from Northern Pathology Victoria) is actually a lot quicker than me, but hoping I’ll be able to take the win this time around. Watch this space.
How would you describe Northern Health in one sentence?
A thriving health service working for the community.
Who would you nominate next for a staff profile?
I’d like to nominate Josh Wallace from Medical Workforce Unit. Josh is amazing at what he does and I’d love to hear his spiel!