How would you describe your career journey at Yale?
One day I realized I wanted to live and work in a college town with interesting history, architecture, culture, technology, employment opportunities, and a diverse population. I had some global network and systems administration experience related to the semiconductor industry in Silicon Valley, and infrastructure responsibilities related to facilities services offices in New York City and around the country. With more of a dream than a plan, I boarded a train from New York and moved to live with some friends in New Haven, CT.
Someone suggested I start cold-calling IT companies listed in the phonebook, just to introduce myself and get on their radar. One afternoon, I contacted a company who provided contracted services to lots of places near New Haven. A few days later, I received a phone call from an agent offering an interview with a client who had an urgent need in downtown New Haven. At the interview I learned that the client was Yale University ITS. I scheduled an interview and received an offer to start working the following week. I became familiar with many new technologies and people, and often. When I didn’t know what to do on my own, I found people and systems available to support me.
After several months of temporary employment, I accepted a part-time job offer, which became full-time a few months later. I read professional certification materials and applied what I learned at every opportunity. I realized that Yale had already invested in my professional development before I thought to ask about next steps. I earned a few professional certifications, and then became a team lead after about 2 years. Tuition reimbursement helped me complete an interdisciplinary B.Sc. degree aligned with my career. I worked as a Specialist, a Technical Lead, a Supervisor, and then as a Collaboration Engineer. Today I’m the Computer Systems Manager for the Yale School of Medicine Department of Neuroscience, and pursuing a M.Sc. in Computer Science.
Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
Extending education and wellbeing through the sustainable management of Information Technology.
When did you become involved with FLY and how has it benefited your career?
I joined FLY in 2014. I found mentoring, coaching, training, and access to many more interesting opportunities. I’ve received public and private recognition for personal and professional achievements, and invitations to participate in several exciting projects and activities at the intersection of education, technology, business, and society. I am more grateful than I know how to communicate with words. I felt inspired to rise, through the respect, encouragement, engagement, guidance, and support of others while sharing those things with others along the way. One of the greatest benefits we have is the Yale community itself. Discussing situations with peers, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and partners provides profound guidance and support in my life.
What are your goals as co-chair of FLY Professional Development?
Let’s promote and implement personalized strategies with a network of trusted partners working for the sustainable professional development of themselves and others at Yale. Let’s gather and rise!
What are some suggestions and resources you recommend for young professionals navigating a career at Yale?
We have access to millions of books through the Yale Library system, which lends books for up to one year. The Learning Center classes provide institutional insight. Coursera, where we can earn certificates for select Yale courses, and Lynda.com, which provides an abundance of professional development material, both stream lessons to mobile devices. We can move around with new ideas in mind anytime. There are computer labs and meet-ups across campus and around New Haven. We have access to thousands of devices, applications, and peers every day. Being Well at Yale team activities challenge us to take millions of steps together; networking and leadership opportunities abound. Early morning Yoga is a wonderful way to rise. The Yale Art Gallery, British Art Center, Peabody Museum, Whitney Humanities Center, cultural centers, School of Music performances, collection of musical instruments, and Medical Library brain collection make for interesting free time. There are many more places and resources I’m probably not yet aware of, and perhaps you want to share them with me.
How can FLY members get involved with FLY Professional Development initiatives and where can they find you?
The first steps in professional development, as with many lifestyle transition challenges, are acknowledging needs for improvement and increasing awareness of opportunities for improvement. People may find many ways to achieve their goals. Sometimes we need guidance to find a way. Exchanging ideas and feedback with others can simplify selecting and implementing a new lifestyle or career path. My office is in the Sterling Hall of Medicine on Cedar Street, and I walk across campus most days. I like meeting new and familiar friends for walks, coffee, tea, meals, and conversation. Connect with me through email and LinkedIn. Ask me how we can join forces to rise together. Contact the FLY Professional Development Committee at flypdc@yale.edu with questions or ideas about how our partnership might benefit the Yale community and your career.