Interview by Marinda Monfilston
What is your current role at Yale University?
Assistant Administrator 3- Human Resources Coordinator
What are your main responsibilities?
Initiate, plan and develop administrative policies for the Internal Medicine unit. Prepare and gather documentation for international candidates to obtain employment visas. Delegate administrative support duties to various units. Monitor activities of staff to ensure timely completion of assigned work. Perform pre-employment security processing for incoming employees. Plan the use of facilities in assigned departments including office space, work stations, equipment, technology needs, inventory, and office supplies. Present updated policies and procedures during HR Coordinator meetings. Ensure compliance and safety regulations as they apply to each unit. Assist with department recruitment and new employee hiring processes. Conduct audits of payroll, benefits, and other HR programs, and recommending corrective actions. Process performance reviews, update and schedule merit reviews. Maintain time and attendance information. Generate vacancy announcements and post to various websites. Process termination and resignation requests. Obtain Postdoctoral Certificates for qualified candidates. Provide detailed information to all employees regarding employee benefits and salary.
What do you like most about your work?
I really enjoy that there are so many learning opportunities, I have the ability to and the processed are always changing and always evolving.
How does your job affect your general lifestyle?
My job affects my general lifestyle by 1. Allowing me to meet my goals of growth and learning opportunities and 2. Allowing work life balance.
How did you begin your career?
While studying for a Master’s degree, I decided to concentrate in Human Resources. The field has great variety, and is the backbone of an organization. I started my career in the Human Resources Department while working at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. I expressed my desires to obtain the position and that I was actively studying the field. After applying and interviewing, I was offered the position.
What steps would you recommend one take to prepare to enter this field?
Research! Ask many questions to get a better understanding of the various job titles and there descriptions. Speak to people who are already in the field to get an overall idea of what it takes to get started and possibly shadow. Shadowing is a great way to get a visual understanding of what the position is really like.
What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?
Patience, flexibility, great communication and comprehension skills, time management, self-discipline and the ability to collaborate with people of various backgrounds and ethnicities.
If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change?
Yes, I feel what we all do in life either good or bad is a learning experience. What I have learned thus far, has and currently is preparing me for the next chapter in my life.
What does YAAA mean to you, and what are you hoping to accomplish as Co-Chair? To me, YAAA means togetherness.
I have been involved in YAAA for almost 6 years, I have met many great people from all walks of life. To name a few of the great programs and experiences YAAA offers are: opportunities to personally develop, socialize, network, volunteer in the community and mentor. Becoming involved in an Affinity Group, allows employees to connect with other Yale employees who they may not have had the opportunity to meet previously. YAAA opens the door to make these connections and promotes establishing lasting relationships. I hope continue the YAAA legacy and introduce new programs, events, and opportunities for development.