A Career Journey: Interview with Nataly Robalino

What has been your career path at Yale? 

I have been with Yale School of Management since 2011 when I started as a recruiting coordinator in the Career Development office. After a couple of years, I moved on to help manage Employer Relations in specific industries and in Latin America and was able to travel primarily to Mexico City. Speaking fluent Spanish was a real plus and I loved travelling!  I then jumped at the chance to work more closely with students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Yale community in a newly created Diversity and Inclusion team at Yale SOM. Our team helped increase awareness and promoted the pipeline of diverse students to our programs. Today, I am the associate director and career coach in the Career Development Office. I am the dedicated coach to 51 students from partner universities around the globe who are in the Master’s Degree in Global Business and Society program. I feel I have come full circle by working in the recruiting and administration side of Yale SOM, employer relations, and now helping navigate the early career lives of our students. I understand the foundation, the complexities, and the processes of a successful program.

What resources here at Yale have helped you navigate your career?
I am lucky to be in a place where career movement and development are encouraged. I had wonderful leaders who saw my potential.  I strongly believe in networking and asking lots of questions. 

What is your advice for an employee starting their career at Yale?
Seek out positions in your area of interest, whatever the job entails.  Even though I had earned my MBA, I diligently sought an entry level position at Yale SOM because I knew this is where I wanted to be. I previously worked in the finance world and was laid off during one of the market crashes. I fell into a student recruitment position at another university by happenstance. Then I fell in love with working in higher ed by seeing how impactful education is and how it can change lives.

What is your superpower? 

I have great empathy, maybe too much! And I think my students recognize that, which enables me to connect with them easily.  I was born in Ecuador and immigrated here with my parents when I was very young. I am the first person to go to college in my family. My mother always stressed how important education is and I didn’t want to let my family down. I connect with all students, especially with those who are first generation or don’t have many resources available to them. I understand their struggle.

What is the best thing about New Haven?
The food! There are so many great restaurants of so many ethnicities! It’s hard to choose a favorite!