Interview w/Darlene Houston

Served in U.S. ARMY, 2003-2006, Corporal, Active Duty, Fort Drum, NY
Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Tell me about your current role at Yale University?

I currently work as a Human Resources Assistant (HRA), for the Naval ROTC Program here at Yale, in my position I am responsible for developing and collecting a variety of Naval forms/paperwork from the Midshipmen in the Naval ROTC Program. I maintain all student’s military files and personal data that will be used for them while at Yale and to further their military career when they are finished at Yale. Some of my responsibilities include: Onboarding and training in filling out required forms such as, Enlistment Contracts, medical files, obtaining military identification, scholarship payments and Summer Training payments.

Would you share some of your military experience and transition to the private sector?

I think in order to serve in the military you have to have a sense of commitment and dedication in order to have served. This fact I believe helps a military person such as myself to transition to the private sector with the ability to work as a team and work with others from a Diverse background to accomplish a common goal.

How does your military experience impact your position at Yale?

I think it has prepared me with the ability to work to meet deadlines and in planning out my workload in my role as HRA.  The military is very much about strategically planning every training and meeting every deadline. My military experience has also prepared me to work with all types of individuals in all facets of personnel administration. 

Could you discuss some of the intangible skills that veterans like yourself bring to an organization?

Dependability, Integrity, Decision-making and Looking Out for Others or having Camaraderie is a huge intangible skill in the Military. We uplift the weakest point in the chain because we can’t afford for the chain to be broken. We are all about accomplishing the mission at hand and know that it can’t be done alone — it’s all for one and one for all.

What do you think about the Yale Veterans Network?

I think It is a wonderful way for Yale employees who are veterans and friends to come together and work to make the work environment for veterans at Yale positive one, though social events and community activities throughout the year. It helps to develop a sense of belonging and pride among those who served this great nation.

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