What is your current role at Yale University?
Senior Administrative Assistant
What are your main responsibilities?
- Oversee and coordinate administrative, program, and office activities
- Establish, select, implement, and coordinate office procedures and systems
- Serve as principal source of information to students, staff, and faculty on policies, procedures, programs, and office activities
- Oversee, instruct, and coordinate activities of support staff
- Provide editorial support for a journal/publication
- Provide high-level administrative support to the Chief of Yale University and Yale New Haven Health’s Section of Cardiovascular Medicine
- Responsible for coordinating well organized grand rounds
- Ensure reports required by the Continuing Medical Education (CME) office meet their strict deadlines
- Work closely with Administration Department to manage the faculty distribution list of 500+ staff members
- Manage process for the on-boarding process of new hires; schedule interviews, coordinate travel arrangements, and collect data relative to completing I9s and other human resource associated documentation
- Responsible for the training of administrative assistants; train staff to use multiple Yale Systems, communicate new processes and system changes to ensure staff stay abreast of changes
- Facilitate onsite and virtual conference meetings/presentations with internal and external stakeholders
- Serve as the main point of contact to liaise with IT to resolve technical issues
- Determine sources of data and compile, synthesize, and manipulate data
What do you like most about your work?
I genuinely enjoy that there are always new learning opportunities that enable and push me to learn quickly and efficiently. The processes are ever-changing.
How does your job affect your general lifestyle?
By allowing me to grow and learn new opportunities and to accomplish my goal of furthering my education in my doctoral program.
How did you begin your career?
I started my career by taking advantage of the New Haven Works program, which is where I landed my first position at Yale after trying for over five years. I started as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of OBGYN. After receiving my Bachelors of Science, I expressed my interest in obtaining a position as a Senior Administrative Assistant in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine. After applying and interviewing, I landed the job.
What steps would you recommend one take to prepare to enter this field?
I would recommend one take the initiative to research the positions before applying. Have a clear understanding of the department before interviewing. Ask questions to gain a better understanding of what the job entails. Take full advantage of the Career Development Office, talk to recruiters, get resume reviews, cover letters, and interview critiques. Having a great mentor to help set goals and plan your career path will set the tone for your journey’s next steps.
What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?
Radiate professionalism, strong written and oral communication, organizational skills, time management, strategic planning, resourcefulness, detail-oriented, problem solver, and adaptability. You need to be able to think quickly and efficiently no matter what comes up.
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 choose the same path. My journey has prepared me for the next chapter in my life and career.
What does YAAA mean to you, and what are you hoping to accomplish as Co-Chair?
I have been involved with YAAA for almost 4 years and have encountered many great people. YAAA, to me, means implementing changes and improvement, instead of feeling frustrated or complaining about something. YAAA has pushed me to deepen relationships by connecting within the community. I have gained knowledge by interacting with other affinity groups and pursuing leadership opportunities, especially during adversity in the Black Lives Matter movement. Being involved with YAAA is a great opportunity and has opened the door for me to experience joining other affinity groups. I look forward to adhering to the YAAA standards to build community and make connections at Yale and the broader New Haven community.