What is your current role at Yale University?
My current role is Senior Administrative Assistant for the Shared Interests Group of the Yale Alumni Association.
What are your main responsibilities?
My main responsibility is to engage alumni that have a shared interest to the university and fellow alumni. I assist two Associate Directors, a Senior Director, and alumni volunteers in online and in person programming with project management, event management, and website content management.
What do you like most about your work?
What I love most about my job is the support I receive from my supervisor and colleagues to ensure I am consistently building on my skills. I also love interacting with alumni.
How does your job affect your general lifestyle?
I am a people person and love to learn new things. My job allows me to get the best of both worlds.
How did you begin your career?
I registered with New Haven Works, attended a meet and greet, and connected with one of the Yale recruiters. The Yale recruiter informed me of a unique Senior Administrative role opening that I should apply for because it would be a good way to learn about the University. I applied, had three interviews, and started working at Yale on June 15, 2015.
What steps would you recommend one take to prepare to enter this field?
Before applying to any position, I would suggest researching the position, and making sure the department is interesting to you. For a Senior Administrative Assistant role, I would recommend joining a department where you can learn and grow.
What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?
A Senior Administrative Assistant is like the gate keeper to the department. You must have great customer service skills, be detailed oriented, a multi-tasker, and very organized.
If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change?
Yes, I would take the same path. I was initially hired in the Yale Temporary Staffing Services Department. What I loved most about this position was the opportunity to float around and work in several departments throughout the university. I was able to network with different colleagues and build lasting relationships.
What does YAAA mean to you and how have you contributed as a member?
YAAA is a way for African American employees to come together, network, and plan events and programming to support the culture. I participate and volunteer for majority of the programs and events. I am also the Co-Chair for Read Aloud Day.