Since starting at Yale nearly two decades ago, Racquel Miller has strategically developed her skills, transitioned from the School of Medicine to Central Campus, and advanced her career by taking on challenges and some chances. Now, as a senior administrative assistant and employment coordinator at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE), she helps students, staff, and faculty join and navigate the YSE community.
Title: Senior administrative assistant and employment coordinator
Term in current position: One year
Years at Yale: 18 years 9 months
What brought you to Yale?
I’m originally from Pasadena, California. After I got married in 2005, my husband and I drove across the country and settled in Connecticut. At that time, I was a certified medical assistant and a licensed massage therapist. I started a temporary job in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. I then applied for and was hired as an administrative assistant at what is now known as Yale Medicine. I loved working in that department and was there for eight years. Those positions fit well with my medical background.
Talk about your career journey since then.
I wanted to expand my skills and started taking advantage of all the classes and training Yale offered, such as Excel and PowerPoint. Then I moved to Comprehensive Ears, Nose, and Throat Care as a surgical coordinator. Around that time, my husband and I started a family. I wanted to do something outside the medical field and began looking for opportunities on the academic side of Yale. I was hired by the School of Engineering and Applied Science in the Applied Physics Department as an administrative assistant supporting two units. I handled expense reports, travel arrangements, and event planning, which was completely different from my previous two assignments.
This role evolved into a position supporting the then newly launched Yale Quantum Institute. With increased responsibilities, I conducted a job audit and as a result became a senior administrative assistant. I was there for eight years, helping to build the institute and hosting almost 150 events yearly. I loved being around people, bringing in speakers, and supporting the students.
Can you describe a typical day in your role at YSE?
I love to be challenged. One year ago, after receiving training on academic appointments, I moved to YSE as a senior administrative assistant and employment coordinator in the Workforce Management Department. My focus is assisting post-doctoral and postgraduate associates and fellows, visiting fellows, Fulbright scholars, and temporary staff in navigating the hiring process. In addition, I support faculty, undergraduate and graduate students with student employment processing. Once funding is confirmed, I help with the necessary paperwork for work and travel, onboard them upon arrival (setting them up in Workday, activating their NetID and payroll), and offboard them when their term ends.
We are the first point of contact for the YSE community; if we can’t handle an issue, we will provide guidance on where they can go for further assistance. It was a bit of a leap of faith coming here, but I truly enjoy my job. I work on a great, supportive team, and every day is a unique experience.
What are some favorite aspects of your job and why?
I love my department and colleagues. They were very welcoming when I started and took the time to walk me through every step of the appointments and hiring process. I never felt alone; they were always available to answer my questions. I enjoy working with the students, staff, and faculty, and I relish the hands-on aspects of my work and the challenges and rewards of problem-solving. If I can solve someone’s issue and make them happy, it’s a great feeling.
What do you love most about working at Yale?
Two things I love about Yale are the work-life balance and the ability to work independently. The flexibility of a hybrid schedule helps me manage the hectic life of being a mom of three boys. My manager trusts my judgment and gives me the leeway to prioritize my workload and job demands as I see fit. I’m genuinely grateful, and working at Yale has been and continues to be a great experience.
