Rachel Carignan
Rachel Carignan is a results-driven account manger at NCA, Inc, where she specializes in designing and implementing innovative talent strategies that help organizations meet the demands of today’s evolving workforce. By blending expertise in psychology, health promotion, artificial intelligence, and upskilling, Rachel delivers tailored career consulting solutions that empower organizations to attract, retain, and develop top talent. Her work emphasizes aligning workforce strategies with long-term business goals while addressing emerging industry trends and workforce challenges.
With a proven track record in talent acquisition and human resources, Rachel honed her expertise through impactful roles at Eagle Creek Renewable Energy and CGS Federal. These positions strengthened her ability to navigate dynamic industries, build strong talent pipelines, and lead complex recruitment initiatives. Her career reflects a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, allowing her to deliver measurable outcomes for employers and candidates alike. Rachel is recognized for her adaptability, attention to detail, and her ability to connect human behavior insights with organizational needs to produce meaningful workforce solutions.
Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Health Promotion from American University, where she developed a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and wellbeing skills she now applies to her consulting work. She is also a Certified Talent Management & Succession Planning Specialist through AIHR, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence. Passionate about fostering growth, Rachel is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential, creating lasting impact in the careers and communities she serves.
• Certified Talent Management & Succession Planning Specialist
• ADP Concerned Conversations
• HR Trends and Strategies for 2025
• LeverTRM Administrator
• American University - BA Psychology
• Mount Desert Island High School
• None
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my unwavering drive and dedication to my work. I approach every challenge with a commitment to excellence, continually seeking opportunities to learn and grow. This perseverance allows me to deliver meaningful results, adapt to change, and make a lasting impact in my career and the organizations I serve.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always evaluate what a role or company can offer for your future growth. It’s important to consider not just the job itself, but the opportunities for learning, advancement, and long-term success. Choosing positions that allow for personal and professional development helps build a fulfilling and sustainable career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is not to be afraid to start at an entry level position. Use it as an opportunity to learn, prove your capabilities, and build a strong foundation. Consistently demonstrate your skills, take initiative, and ask for more responsibility. Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and request the promotions you have earned your dedication and confidence will open doors to greater opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A key challenge is the increasing impact of artificial intelligence, which is transforming traditional recruiting roles. At the same time, one of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the growing role of third-party recruiters, which firms and organizations are more frequently starting to hire their work out to. Joining these firms is not something to shy away from, however, as they bring along the opportunity to have a specialized expertise and more flexibility in talent acquisition. Adapting to these changes requires staying ahead of technology trends while leveraging human insight to maintain meaningful connections in the hiring process.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are understanding the whole person and being a great listener. I believe that truly knowing someone’s strengths, motivations, and challenges creates stronger connections and fosters trust. By actively listening and valuing different perspectives, I can build meaningful relationships that lead to greater collaboration and success.
Locations
NCA, inc
Baltimore, MD 21224