Tell us about your job search experience.
After college, I joined New Haven Works to find a full-time position. I was assigned a job coach who helped me edit my resume and provided guidance with my job applications. As a member of New Haven Works, I was referred for a program called Bridge to Employment (B2E) through the Yale New Haven Hiring Initiative. The purpose of this program was to help New Haven Works members gain work experience at Yale and develop their technical skills. I worked at a front desk position in the Employee Service Center in Human Resources. During this time, I also attended weekly clerical and technical training sessions to help me complete tasks in my front-desk position. This experience developed the professional skills that would ultimately lead me to secure a full-time position. After my six-month assignment with Human Resources, I was hired into full-time, benefit level position with the Yale Temporary Staffing Services (YTSS), which would allow me to work in various departments across campus in temporary assignments.
Tell us about your current roles at Yale.
Upon getting the job with YTSS, my first assignment was at Yale West Campus as an administrative assistant for the Nanobiology Institute. I ended up loving this position so much that I asked my manager to stay at West Campus, and she agreed. This ended up being the best decision I ever made! In this role, I work in a lab where I support seven different faculty members from different departments at the Medical School and their lab members. I file their expenses reports, book their travel arrangements, coordinate events, and order their supplies. My favorite thing about my job is being able to assist everyone and feeling appreciated for it!
You participated in the Bridge to Employment program. What was the experience like? How does the culture of learning and development at Yale impact you?
B2E offers training in software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel. Sessions also focused on Yale branding and communication skills such as public speaking, interviewing, and problem-solving. B2E often invites people from various parts of the university to attend our sessions and share their expertise.
What advice do you have for other job seekers?
My advice to job seekers is to set weekly goals, track progress, and sign up with New Haven Works, so that they can help you tailor each job application to fit individual opportunities. Use this time to network genuinely and build relationships. Don’t be discouraged by rejection and always follow up with a brief thank-you note after interviews.
What is next for you?
In the future, I want to participate in the Homebuyer’s Program. I am also considering going back to school and using the tuition-reimbursement program offered by the university.