My current role at the University is as an Administrative Assistant over at the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES), providing faculty support to staff and students.
I enlisted in the United States Navy at age 19, 2 years removed from HS. I served on board the USS Dixon AS-37, located in Point Loma Sub base in San Diego, CA. I was an Electrician’s Mate, the field I learned while in High School. I travelled the world and saw a lot during my 4 years in the service. When I left the service I did some odd jobs, before deciding to pursue my college degree in Finance. The Navy helped me become a stronger person mentally and physically as well as taught me responsibility. Transitioning to the private sector was hard when I left New York City and moved to Connecticut 5 years ago. I believed with my military service and Finance college degree it shouldn’t be a problem to prove my worth and get hired in a good institution. Unfortunately I was only fooling myself. It has been hard living in CT. While I have been able to provide for my family it hasn’t been to my full potential. Finally getting hired at Yale University last year in October has been well worth it.
My military experience has taught me to be attentive and respectful to everyone, no matter the situation. The traits that I bring to F&ES is to continue to be courteous at all times, be a real good listener especially in my position, and always have a smile and a positive attitude.
My path to Yale University was a process in which it began with me bumping into an individual at the “Green,” in the summer of 2014 and inquiring about how to go about getting a position in Parks & Recreation. The individual, a Latino, recommended trying New Haven Works, a work placement agency. So I went, they explained what they were seeking and I still remember them telling me to be at their facilities at 221 Whitney Ave, on a Saturday, by 8am. They were only going to take the first 20 people in the line. I was there at 7:15 am sharp. I was assigned a job coordinator and was asked questions, basically to find me a good position at a good establishment. First job as a casual at Yale was in the Library, from November to January 2015. Then as a Financial Assistant for 3 months in the Library business office, and then again was asked by the Library and so it went. I was getting glowing reviews but kept coming up empty for a full time position. Eventually in July I was asked to be an Administrative assistant over at F&ES. The individual that trained me left on maternity leave, before coming back she was promoted to another position, opening the door for me to be considered, and therefore offered the position in October of 2015.
My main responsibilities as an Administrative Assistant are to be the first line of defense for faculty & students. That means helping faculty or students to book rooms, airline tickets, limousine services, reimbursements, place orders etc… Everything goes through me and my other 3 colleagues that share the responsibility of keeping the place afloat.
What I enjoy most in my work is assisting anyone that needs help, from a professor that needs some print outs, or a student wondering how to go about asking for reimbursement. If I can do it, I will assist.
My work doesn’t affect my general lifestyle because I am an individual that takes care of his priorities the same day no matter the time of day.
The advice I would give someone that is seeking this type of job is to be able to focus on the many tasks thrown at you. The job can be stressful if you cannot prioritize or juggle more than one task.
I think the Yale Veterans Network and the Yale Latino Networking groups each have a lot to offer Yale University as well as the community. I am looking forward to making new friends and trying to do my very best in contributing to this wonderful community here at New Haven, CT.
- Sergio N. Gomez Jr.