As she approaches graduation this month, Heidelberg senior Lydia Ridner is already doing what many college students dream of: thriving in a full-time position in her chosen field. A Business Administration major with a concentration in Human Resources, Lydia is wrapping up her undergraduate years while already serving as Coordinator of Talent Development at local company Arnold Machine — a role she earned long before she walked across the stage.
And if that sounds impressive, just wait until you hear the rest.
A chance opportunity and the spark that started it all
In January 2025, Dr. Lisa Kahle-Piasecki, associate professor of Business Administration, shared a part-time HR opportunity with her class. Lydia didn’t hesitate.
“I decided to go for it, even if it was just to get interviewing experience,” she said.
Arnold Machine’s HR Director, Sarah Woessner, immediately saw Lydia's potential. She offered her the co-op position on the spot — and assured her she would have a full-time role after graduation.
Lydia started in February. By July, she was asked to join the HR team full time. “I was super excited to hear that,” she said. “They essentially created a talent development position for me. Today, Lydia is one of three HR professionals supporting a company of about 70 employees — and she’s already a central part of the department’s momentum.
Balancing act
This semester, while working full time in HR, Lydia also completed her academic courses online and worked three to four evenings a week at a local greenhouse and farm market.
“It’s been intense,” she admitted. “But I wasn’t going to let anything get me overwhelmed.”
Her strategy? Make the weekends count, stay focused, and keep moving forward. Her dedication paid off — literally. Through careful planning and nonstop effort, Lydia was able to pay off her entire college education by graduation.
Finding her path at Heidelberg
Though she’s now firmly planted in HR, Lydia didn’t start there.
“I came in as a biology major,” she said, laughing. “But I wanted lots of career options, and I didn’t want math,” so finance and accounting were out.
During her sophomore year, she took her first HR class with Lisa and immediately felt at home. “I fell in love with that path and decided to pursue it.” Small class sizes helped her thrive.
“One class last semester had only four students. It felt like the real world — no worksheets, but projects that applied to the job I wanted. That’s what I enjoyed most.”
She credits Heidelberg’s faculty for shaping her confidence. “This opportunity never would have been possible without Heidelberg and Dr. Piasecki. I’ve been very lucky to learn from her.”
Growing fast, growing people
Lydia’s work at Arnold Machine began with essential HR support: managing employee files, recruitment, onboarding, payroll coordination, compliance, and reporting. But her role quickly expanded.
Now, she focuses on talent development — supporting employee growth through training programs, skill development initiatives, performance processes, and company-wide learning.
This people-centered work fits her perfectly.
“I’m definitely a people person. What I love most is interacting directly with employees,” especially when it involves helping them understand processes, listening, and leading them to solutions.
What made Arnold Machine so confident in Lydia? “I think they could tell I’m very driven. I make things happen,” she said. “I’m very organized, and I work hard. I also try to be considerate of people.”
She’s already made a major impact: recruiting and hiring the third member of the HR team. “For them to get through the door, they’ve got to go through me. It can be scary sometimes, making sure we hire the right people. But I’m proud of helping find someone whose core values match the company.”
Learning, leading, looking ahead
In her role, Lydia has discovered the power of communication, organization, and problem-solving — skills she credits Heidelberg courses with helping her sharpen.
“Professors set realistic expectations that mirror the workplace. They really did a good job preparing us.”
And although she won’t be in the classroom in the spring semester or this summer, she won’t be away for long. Lydia will begin Heidelberg’s PlusOneAdvantage® MBA program this fall.
Her long-term goal? “I want to stay in people-focused positions and hopefully be an HR director one day. I have a lot to learn.”
With her December graduation, Lydia’s excitement is obvious. “I feel so ready. My hard work has paid off. Everything I put into it is coming back to me.”
And she knows she has found the right place to grow because Arnold Machine is an employer that values its employees, offers a supportive and collaborative culture, and invests in employees’ growth.
“I am very fortunate to land where I did. This is a great place with great people.”