Employee Spotlight - Martin (Marty) Platt

Photo of Martin (Marty) Platt
Saturday, December 31, 2022

Can you tell me about your current role at Yale University?

I started at Yale on October 7, 1995, as a budget analyst for fire and grounds. About 13 years ago, I became the budget analyst for custodial and recycling. Right now, it’s approximately a $60 million budget. It entails a lot of different interactions, mostly with the area managers and superintendents.

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

After graduating from high school in 1968, I did basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, then went to For Monmouth in New Jersey to learn how to fix aerial surveillance cameras. Upon graduation in 1969, I was sent to Germany, there was no need for my MOS and became a stock control and accountant. While in Germany, I took 4 courses at the University of Maryland. After 13 months, I was sent to Vietnam, where I continued my new MOS as a stock control and accountant, and later a cook.  I studied accounting at South Central Community College, which is now Gateway, for two years, and graduated with honors. I went to the University of New Haven for my bachelor’s in accounting and master’s in business administration. I also got married and had a couple different jobs before landing at Yale. And by the way, I went to Vietnam, not as an American citizen. I only became an American citizen in 2003. I came down from Canada in 1965.

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

The military had a saying that you would do more by nine o’clock in the morning than most people would do all day. And I’ve tried to carry that philosophy into my job. On my work from home days, I start working at 6 am and I’m usually in the office between 6:15 and 6:30 am. Starting my day early is an opportunity for me to work on stuff without interruptions and it gives me a head start. As one of my captains said to me, do it right the first time. Don’t make things complicated so you don’t have to keep doing the same thing repeatedly.

Can you talk about your experience with the Yale Veterans Network?

I’ve been involved with YVN since the beginning, and a planning member and volunteer for the annual Multicultural Block Party. I’ve also been involved with the New Haven St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee since 2007 and the New Haven VFW Group. I think it’s great that Yale promotes the veteran’s group and it’s nice that veterans get recognition.

Do you have any retirement plans?

During retirement, I would like to volunteer at the VA one day a week and spend more time with my grandchildren.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I wish everybody a happy and successful future. Yale is an awesome place to work. I really have enjoyed my time here and the time I have left, so I’m looking forward to many more adventures. 

Photo Collage of Martin (Marty) Platt

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