Gina Benson.
November 20, 2024
Tell us about yourself.
I have been a proud resident of New Haven for most of my life. My early education at an environmental magnet school (grades K-8) sparked a lifelong passion for environmental studies.
In my free time, I enjoy photography, database management, working out, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Gina Benson.
Before joining Yale, I previously worked at Amazon, where I gained experience leading various departments and collaborating with teams such as the Problem Solve Department, the Process Assistant Team, and the Transportation Operations Management Team. This diverse experience honed my leadership, problem-solving, and operational skills.
Tell us about your job search experience.
Initially, my job search was overwhelming. I applied to multiple positions but was unsuccessful. However, my participation in New Haven Works helped tremendously.
The guidance and resources provided made the experience smoother and less stressful.
Tell us about your current role at Yale.
As a Biomedical Waste Technician, my role involves ensuring the safe collection, handling, and disposal of biomedical waste generated across campus.
Who do you support? What is your day-to-day like?
I support researchers, medical staff, and other university departments by ensuring that all biomedical waste is managed safely and efficiently. My role is critical in maintaining a safe and compliant environment for research and healthcare operations.
Day-to-day activities include:
- Collecting biomedical waste from designated areas across the campus.
- Ensuring proper segregation of waste into categories like biohazardous, chemical, or sharps.
- Safely transporting waste to disposal or processing areas using specialized equipment.
- Inspecting waste bins for compliance with regulations and guidelines.
- Keeping detailed logs of waste volumes and types for reporting and compliance purposes.
- Communicating with staff and researchers to provide guidance on waste disposal protocols.
What was the most helpful aspect of partnering with New Haven Works?
There were a few aspects that were helpful to me, and I carry them with me in my professional journey.
- Mock interviews helped me better prepare and alleviated some of the stress.
- Tailoring my resume gave me better insight into my diverse skill set.
- Learning about the importance of using keywords when writing a resume was invaluable.
What is next for you?
I am committed to continuous learning and seizing opportunities for both personal and professional growth. I plan to enhance my expertise through on-the-job training and academic development.
By 2025, I aim to complete my OSHA Certification and further my education in risk management to expand my skills and contribute more effectively to workplace safety and compliance.