Hiring Spotlight – Sage Dowty

Sage Dowty, Office Assistant, Yale School of Management (SOM), Faculty Support, joined Yale in February 2019 as a part-time office assistant. Upon successfully completing the Gateway to Employment program, the New Haven Hiring Initiative team partnered with the Yale SOM to place Sage into the New Haven Resident Trainee program. We had a chance to talk with Sage about NHHI’s programs, her current role, and her career goals.

Tell us about your career at Yale?
I have been with Yale School of Management for two years now, and I started as a temporary employee through New Haven Works. During the assignment, I was offered a chance to go to school to improve my MS Office skills. Upon completing the Gateway to Employment program, New Haven Hiring Initiative helped me get a position at the Yale School of Management working as an Office Assistant with Faculty Support. 

Sage is a driven and hard-working individual. We are continually impressed by her desire to learn and make a lasting impression at Yale. Sage also receives great feedback from faculty and her colleagues on her positive, upbeat attitude. Lacey D’Amato, Assistant Director, Faculty Support, Yale SOM

Tell us about the Gateway to Employment program?
This was an excellent opportunity for me to get better acquainted with the Microsoft Office suite. I learned how to better myself in drafting emails, the proper language to use, creating spreadsheets, improving my customer service skills, taking better notes, and knowing what questions to ask when helping faculty.  It helped me become more confident with my work and to maneuver around the software programs with ease.

You are currently in a New Haven Resident Trainee Program. Tell us more about the program and your current role at SOM?
The program was designed as NHHI’s effort to support the New Haven community, and it provides hands-on knowledge and work experience at Yale University. The trainees are hired into a one-year fixed-duration role with 2-4 months rotation per department. Duration in each assignment might vary based on the department’s needs and the trainee’s progress. My current role at SOM is as an office assistant in the faculty support department. To support our faculty, I handle tasks like working with expenses and purchase orders in Workday. On the same day, I may also assist with data entry in Excel and proofreading documents for faculty and other colleagues. Anything that the faculty needs help with, I am there to help. Also, the SOM is a very collaborative environment. If there is a department that needs help, I offer assistance. Recently, I have helped with commencement and hiring RA’s and TA’s, and I enjoyed supporting different teams.

In addition to providing a welcoming presence at the front desk, Sage has learned Yale’s policies and procedures and worn many hats while at Yale SOM. Guests, students, faculty, and staff appreciate Sage’s positive, enthusiastic manner and excellent customer service skills. Jean Page, Associate Director of Human Resources, Yale SOM

What is the next step in your career?
Since my current position is ending in August (fixed-duration), I am focused on securing a regular position at the University. I recently obtained my associate’s degree, which will help me qualify for more jobs. Also, I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have acquired in my current role and through the Gateway program would make me a strong candidate for office assistant or administrative support roles. I will continue with my hard work until I achieve my goal.

What is your message to other job seekers?
I know sometimes things may seem difficult but never give up. Keep your head up and continue to work hard, and you will get there. Hard work will always pay off. Set a goal and stick with it. If you want something, whether it be in work or life, stay with it.

Lacey D’Amato, Assistant Director, Faculty Support Services - Yale School of Management; Sage Dowty, Office Assistant, Faculty Support Services - Yale School of Management; Jean Page, Associate Director Human Resources - Yale School of Management