In this member spotlight series, we will delve into the heart of the profession by shining a spotlight on the diverse and accomplished members of WERC.
As the premier trade association dedicated to advancing the field of talent management and global talent mobility, WERC brings together professionals from various industries, backgrounds, and expertise levels. Each installment of this series will introduce you to a different member of WERC, offering a glimpse into their unique career trajectories, insights, and contributions to the talent mobility space.
For this spotlight, we connected with Stefanie Schreck, Esq., SCRP, SGMS, corporate counsel at CTDI and president of the Philadelphia Area Relocation Council.
How did you get started in the global talent mobility space?
In 2001, I relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona, from New Jersey. This was a personal move, and I didn’t have a job lined up when I arrived. I coordinated the shipment of my household goods, having no experience or knowledge of choosing a moving company. I selected the moving company that I was most comfortable with, and I scheduled the pack/load date. After the crew packed the contents of my home, they informed me that the quote did not include packing materials, and I could either pay them $600 cash immediately, or I would be charged about double the quote for the move plus packing materials. I paid the crew $600 and was told the shipment would arrive in Scottsdale in a week. After engaging an attorney to write a letter demanding the delivery, my shipment arrived a month after the pack date. So, when I learned that Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services had recently centralized its operations in Scottsdale, I applied for a job and was offered the role of relocation manager. I didn’t want anyone else to go through what I went through in coordinating a move.
What are some of the key milestones or achievements in your career?
Receiving the senior designations for CRP and GMS in January 2011; earning WERC’s Distinguished Service Awards in 2011 and 2018; serving as president of the Philadelphia Area Relocation Council (PARC) July 2023 to present; and returning to school and earning my law degree in 2018.
What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in this industry?
Many companies still allow their employees to work remotely 100% of the time. As a result, mobility volume continues to trend downward. However, global talent mobility professionals have the opportunity to expand our services and redefine our value.
Are there any emerging trends or innovations in talent mobility that excite you or that you believe will shape the future of the industry?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making its way into every aspect of our lives, and global talent mobility is no different. This is an area where people need to expand their knowledge and embrace the changes. AI will not replace global talent mobility professionals, but it will make our jobs easier and allow us to be more productive and work more efficiently.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for aspiring leaders in this industry?
Become involved with as many committees as you can, whether they are with WERC or local relocation councils. Meet people in all areas of the industry and listen to their stories and challenges. Step outside of your comfort zone and broaden your knowledge of topics that you’re not familiar with.