From warehouse to graduation: Savannah Phifer's journey to Amazon and UNT

Monday, August 26, 2024 - 12:59

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DENTON (UNT), Texas - Savannah Phifer always knew she wanted to go to college. She wasn't quite sure how she was going to do it, but it turned out a partnership between the University of North Texas and Amazon would help her receive a psychology degree.

Growing up in the small town of Farmersville, Texas, Savannah took dual credit courses in high school to prepare for her future. She strived to be the first member of her family to graduate college, but the thought of juggling a career while pursuing a college education was daunting. After high school, she waited tables and was even a mail carrier on UNT's campus. But her path took a turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses shuttered and opportunities dwindled, she found hope in the company she had always admired: Amazon.

"Amazon was quite literally the only one hiring at that time," Phifer said. "I was thankful to get hired and embraced the fast-paced environment."

She enjoyed the work as a warehouse associate but knew she still wanted to further her education. Then she discovered Amazon's Career Choice program. Launched in 2012, the initiative supports eligible employees in advancing their careers, either within Amazon or beyond.

For Phifer, it was a perfect match, and she chose UNT to start her next chapter. Determined to succeed, she balanced full-time studies - some in-person and others online - while working a demanding night shift as a warehouse associate from 1:20 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. and working weekends.

"Amazon was willing to work with me to accommodate my class schedule. If I needed to take a day off to study or to attend to something for school, I was able to keep my 40 hours that I wanted to work," she said.

[Link] Savannah Phifer

At UNT, Savannah found invaluable support in the form of tutors, writing labs and quiet spaces. The Student Money Management Center and Student Health and Wellness Center also played crucial roles in her success.

"It was a bit of an adjustment, working overnight and balancing schoolwork," Phifer said. "However, I met a lot of college friends in the warehouse, and we all supported each other."

Phifer seized every opportunity presented by Amazon, including securing an internship in Oklahoma as a process guide through their Campus Next program. Finally, in December 2022, she graduated with her bachelor's degree in psychology and chose to continue her career at Amazon. She is now an operations area manager.

With her position at Amazon and academic knowledge from UNT, she has now become interested in institutional psychology, which focuses on the workplace and recruitment. Phifer is considering a master's degree in human resources, as well as pursuing work in human resources or recruitment for Amazon. A long-term goal is to work in human resources with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Reflecting on her journey, Phifer expressed gratitude for Amazon's Career Choice program. The program allowed her to pursue her academic goals while working, making a seemingly impossible balance achievable.

"It was a crazy time of transition with going to school, a new job, COVID and a new living situation. However, Career Choice, Amazon and UNT were with me every step of the way," she said.