Nichol Franklin
Nichol Franklin is an experienced workforce development professional with a strong background in human resources, employment services, and case management. Currently serving as a Senior Career Coach at Employment & Employer Services (E&ES), she leverages her expertise in strategic counseling, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills to empower clients in securing meaningful employment. Nichol specializes in connecting talent to high-demand fields such as CDL, IT, and healthcare, while managing a robust caseload and maintaining excellence in case management practices.
Before joining E&ES, Nichol held several roles at ITW, including HR Operations Analyst and Employee Services Specialist. In these positions, she streamlined HR policies and processes, supported employee onboarding and benefits administration, and served as a key liaison between corporate and field HR teams. Through these experiences, she developed a deep understanding of workforce strategies, organizational alignment, and employee engagement, which now informs her approach to career coaching and employment services.
Nichol holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an MBA in Human Resources from Keller Graduate School of Management. Outside of her professional work, she is passionate about volunteer initiatives in education and health, reflecting her commitment to community development and meaningful impact. Known for her dedication, collaborative approach, and ability to foster growth in others, Nichol continues to advance workforce development while empowering individuals to achieve their career goals.
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
BA, Communication
• Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University
MBA, Human Resources
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of passion, dedication, and a strong work ethic. I am deeply passionate about the work I do, which keeps me motivated to help others achieve their career goals. I approach every task with 100% effort, driven by a commitment to excellence and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Staying focused, persistent, and enthusiastic has allowed me to build strong relationships, overcome challenges, and deliver consistent results throughout my career.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to choose a job you love, because when you are passionate about what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. This mindset has guided me throughout my career, allowing me to stay motivated, give my best effort, and find fulfillment in helping others achieve their goals. Loving what I do has made challenges easier to navigate and successes even more rewarding.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to continuously invest in yourself and your growth. Learn as much as you can, seek out assessments and opportunities that help you develop new skills, and focus on building meaningful relationships along the way. Stay strong, remain optimistic, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow—these qualities will help you thrive and make a lasting impact in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in workforce development and human resources right now is the lack of knowledge and limited resources that can impact both clients and organizations. However, these challenges also present significant opportunities—to educate, innovate, and create solutions that help individuals and businesses thrive. By leveraging creativity, building partnerships, and continuously expanding skills, we can address gaps, strengthen workforce readiness, and make a meaningful impact in the community.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are honesty, trust, empathy, and determination. I believe in being transparent and reliable in all interactions, while approaching others with understanding and compassion. Coupled with a strong sense of determination, these values allow me to build meaningful relationships, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact in every endeavor I pursue.
Locations
Employment & Employer Services
Harvey, IL 60426