Tell us about your current roles at Yale
I work with the HR Operations team. Much of the work I do is behind the scenes, but I am encouraged to know that I am doing much-needed work for an organization contributing meaningfully to the progress of so many things in our world. I also love working with such a wonderful team! My two favorite parts of my current work are getting to be a problem solver and connecting with so many interesting people across Yale.
It’s also worth noting that my path at Yale has changed shape more than a few times. I didn’t start in this exact role; I moved through a few temporary, rotational, and support positions before landing where I am now. Spending time in different corners of the university gave me a much better sense of how connected everything is here.
You participated in our On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Rotational Fixed Duration pathway programs. What were these experiences like? How does the culture of learning and development at Yale impact you?
Going through the OJT and Rotational Fixed Duration pathway programs was a turning point for me. The rotational structure let me learn by doing the work, and it gave me a unique view of how different departments operate and lean on one another.
What’s stuck with me most, though, is the culture of learning here. From day one, I was never just dropped into a role and left to figure it out. Mentors and colleagues genuinely took time to walk me through complex systems, share what they knew, and stay patient with me through the steep parts of the learning curve. That kind of support did more than build my technical skills. It gave me real confidence to take on things I hadn’t before and grow into someone my team could rely on. Yale’s culture of learning is also a big part of why I keep investing in my own growth outside of work. Once the “learn and grow” bug starts, you just want to keep moving forward.
What advice do you have for other jobseekers?
Be patient with the process and keep showing up. The job search process can really test you, but consistency pays off in ways that are hard to see at the moment. The biggest shift for me was realizing I didn’t have to do it alone. Lean fully into community resources like the New Haven Hiring Initiative and New Haven Works. They genuinely care about the work they do, and it completely changes the experience.
For folks with similar career goals, I’d also encourage you not to shy away from non-traditional opportunities. A rotational role, a fixed-duration assignment, or a training position isn’t a lesser path; it’s a tangible way to get your foot in the door, prove yourself, and start to understand how the organization works from the inside. Treat those roles as a foundation rather than just a next step, and approach every rotation as a chance to learn something and meet someone new. Some of the people you cross paths with along the way will end up being the ones who vouch for you when a regular role opens.
What is next for you?
Looking ahead, I feel a lot of excitement about what’s next, both at work and in my personal life. On campus, my focus is to keep deepening my expertise in my current role, look for ways to make our workflow smoother, and become an even better resource for my team and the wider Yale community.
Outside of work, I am working through graduate coursework towards a master’s in management. This takes discipline when working full-time, but I’m excited to bring what I’m learning back into my daily life. Additionally, I want to continue to grow deeper roots in New Haven. I am looking forward to more traveling, adventures in nature, meals with friends, and meeting new people as I continue to grow at Yale.