Rob Freeborough teaches undergraduate and graduate Human Resources and Management courses at Purdue Global and serves as Lead Faculty for Human Resources courses. Rob is a business practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in Civil Engineering, Human Resources, and Nonprofit Leadership. He has been teaching in higher education since 2005 in both online and traditional classroom environments. Rob has been certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) since 2011. Rob is the new Faculty Advisor for the Purdue Global Entrepreneurship Club. 

Three key takeaways from our interview with Robert. 

1. Navigating Career Transitions with Resilience

• The guest shares their journey through various career changes, including shifts from engineering to management, to nonprofit leadership, and eventually to academia. The COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges are highlighted as a catalyst for positive change, leading to a new role at Purdue Global. This theme reflects adaptability and the ability to find opportunity in adversity.

2. The Role of Mentorship in Personal and Professional Growth

• Mentorship is emphasized as a critical element of development. The guest discusses both being mentored and mentoring others, illustrating its importance across different life stages and domains, from parenting to pursuing a doctorate. The natural and organic formation of mentoring relationships is also discussed as key to their effectiveness.

3. Lifelong Learning and Passion for Education

• A deep commitment to continuous growth and learning is a recurring theme. The guest’s journey to earning a PhD, despite initial self-doubt, underscores the value of perseverance. They also express a love for being in an academic environment and the belief that learning is a lifelong process that fuels passion and curiosity.