Nikki Vieira

About me

I was born/grew up in: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

I now live in: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

I completed my training/education at: Human Resource Management Diploma - The University of Winnipeg (2014); Career and Employment Coach Certificate - The University of Winnipeg (2018)

What I do at work

Great-West Life is one of Canada’s leading financial services organizations. We have approximately 10,000 staff across Canada that meets the financial security needs of more than 13 million Canadians, their families and businesses. As a Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor, I manage the end-to-end recruitment for multiple lines-of-businesses across Canada, with a specialization in Technology and Digital. I assist in the development of recruitment plans with hiring managers. I also work collaboratively with HR Business Partners and HR Advisors to anticipate talent requirements, and attract / source top talent for the company.

My career path is

During high school all I knew was I wanted to help people. I was the chair of the Racial Harmony Committee and spoke in front of my school about bullying and other topics. My first year of university I took courses around human anatomy thinking I wanted to be a gym teacher. But I quickly realized that wasn’t for me. I took a year off and backpacked around Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. After I returned, I realized I needed to get back into school. I decided to go into Human Resources at The University of Winnipeg. I did this as a part time student. During this time, I also worked as an Executive Assistant full time at a telecommunications company. That role evolved into taking over the HR duties. I had a quick role within a Recruitment agency prior to landing at GWL - my current employer. Since being here I’ve taken my Career and Employment Coach Certificate (paid by GWL) and have been promoted into the Senior TA position. I never planned on being a tech recruiter but I love it!

I am motivated by

What motivates me every day is working for a company that promotes the same core values as I have. Volunteering is a huge part of my life; and I am so happy to be a part of an organization that contributed 12+ million dollars to various organizations within our communities last year. I was on the fundraising board of a local animal shelter, and GWL provided me with a grant just because I volunteered there. We also have amazing employee benefits such as personal days, health/dental benefits, and pension. Other benefits such as our wellness account – which can go towards things such as gym memberships, fit-bits, running shoes, etc. 

But, most importantly (to me) is GWL’s commitment to continuing education. Aside from internal workshops, staff receives up to $2,000 a year to continue their education externally. The role itself motivates me because I love technology. Technology is ever-changing – there is never a dull moment. The best part of my role as a Senior TA Advisor is I am constantly learning about different positions within STEM at Great-West Life.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I am passionate about helping people!  Through Talent Acquisition, I am able to connect people to amazing career opportunities at Great-West Life. Nothing feels better than calling a candidate with an employment offer.

Outside of work I

I love to be outside with my husband and two dogs (Rocky – German Shephard & Layla – Lab). You can usually find us in the summer months camping and hiking. In the winter, I keep busy with indoor soccer. I volunteer with organizations with interviewing skills seminars or one-on-one coaching. In addition to my every day activities, I am also focusing on our corporate diversity & inclusion roadmap which has been exciting and a special interest for me.

My advice to others

Do you have someone you look up to in a similar career? Ask them to be your mentor! “Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” — Denzel Washington