Friday, November 17, 2023
What is your current role at Yale University?
Currently, I am the Manager of Finance and Administration for the Library Business Office (LBO).
What are your main responsibilities?
I manage the day-to-day financial and business operations for the library system (except the Law Library) and supervises the staff (two union-level staff members and one management & professional staff member) who have financial and programmatic responsibility. I also engage in change initiatives related to university financial and administrative procedures and systems, and support the implementation of these changes within the department.
What do you like most about your work?
I like the consistency of my monthly financial tasks/duties and enjoy the different scenarios that can occur daily that need my attention. I truly enjoy working with the LBO staff. We work very hard but have fun as well.
How does your job affect your general lifestyle?
Due to my current supervisor and my staff, I feel that I have an awesome work/life balance. We are all in-sync that if your home life is not well (kids sick, parents unwell, etc.), then it is hard for most people to effectively concentrate on work. We all check in on each other to make sure all is well. These little check-ins make you want to work a little harder not to let down the team.
How did you begin your career?
I have lived in New Haven since I was eight years old. I attended New Haven Public schools and graduated from Career High School. Upon my high school graduation, I attended Northeastern University in Boston, MA. After graduating from Northeastern University, my mother wanted me to come back to New Haven to live. My mother suggested that I apply to Yale University for employment. I did not want to. Growing up in New Haven, the town-gown relationship with Yale University was not that good and I really did not want to work there. However, my mother forced the issue and I applied. I received two (2) job offers and started working as a Senior Administrative Assistant in Infectious Disease unit of Internal Medicine. This past June 2023, I celebrated my 30th work anniversary at Yale.
The financial director of my unit (Millie Larsen) saw that I was interested in finance and grants, and she would show me various financial tasks and reports. Millie answered all my questions and was very generous with her time. After three (3) years, I oversaw some financial tasks/duties and was promoted in-seat to a Management & Professional position. I was advised by a mentor, that if I wanted to acquire more skills in the financial track at Yale, I may have to work at different departments. So, I took their advice. I have worked in various business manager or supervisory positions within Yale University (Medical Library, Association of Yale Alumni, Yale Shared Services, Beinecke Library, and Sterling Memorial Library). During my time at Yale, I have seen many interesting things (good and bad) that has shaped what type of colleague and supervisor that I want to be. Working at Yale has provided me with many opportunities that has enriched my life (tuition reimbursement program, home buyer’s program, affinity group programing, mentorship programs, professional development workshops/classes, etc.). So, I guess my mother was correct in forcing me to apply for work at Yale University. It has truly changed my life.
What steps would you recommend one take to prepare to enter this field?
Find a mentor who will provide efficient and honest feedback on issues/soft skills that may need to be developed or polished (everyone is not perfect). Join different organizations within your field (National Association of MBAs, National Association of Black MBAs, etc) for networking and updates through newsletters, and attend workshops, talks, and networking events organized by your employer.
What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?
Ability to analyze, effective written and verbal communication, comfortable with technology and change management, detailed oriented, and confident decision-making skills. Also, having compassion and a sense of humor can take you through many difficult situations that management workshops do not cover.
If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change?
I am happy with the path that I have taken. However, I wish I would have been a better advocate for myself. The old saying “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” is true. When you keep your head down and just do your work, you could be overlooked for promotion or other professional opportunities.
What does YAAA mean to you and how have you contributed as a member?
Being part of YAAA has been a wonderful experience. I was the Co-Chair of the YAAA Professional Development Sub-Committee from 2012-2019. Per this subcommittee, the YAAA Career Insights newsletter was created and distributed monthly. In 2014, I was part of a sub-committee of various affinity group members that developed a “Mastering the Informational Interview” workshop. I have volunteered for various Multicultural Block Parties, Affinity Group “New Hire Welcome Event”, and attend YAAA Book Club. Besides YAAA, I have also attended many events sponsored by other affinity groups (WWN, YLNG, FLY, etc.) to participate in their programming opportunities/workshops. Attending these activities, has assisted in my development and knowledge of other Yale departments. I continue to look forward to the various programming opportunities that all the affinity groups offer.