Most Important Skills For an Assistant Provost Institutional Equity at Willamette University
Emilio's career progression highlights the paramount importance of strong relational skills, stating "all work is relational," a skillset crucial for navigating the complexities of roles like Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity, demanding "incredible organization" and prioritization amidst competing demands. The ability to cultivate and leverage relationships proved invaluable in transitioning to this new, strategically challenging position, even more so than previous on-the-ground experience.
Relationship Building, Organizational Skills, Strategic Planning, Patience, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Emilio Solano
Assistant Provost, Institutional Equity
Willamette University
Willamette University, 2009
Loyola Marymount University, Master of Arts, Urban Education: Policy & Administration and Lewis & Clark College, Doctorate of Education, Education Leadership
History, Art History
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Greek Life Member, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Strong relational skills are essential for building and maintaining effective working relationships with students, staff, and external stakeholders.
2. Excellent organizational and prioritization skills are crucial for managing multiple tasks and projects effectively.
3. Patience and the ability to leverage supportive relationships are vital for navigating challenges and transitions in a demanding role.
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
Ever since I started teaching, and even before then, I've considered myself a deeply relational person. I truly value relationships, and that became very apparent as a teacher, especially with students.
You won't be a successful teacher if you don't know your students and build relationships with them. While some may disagree, that's been my experience. I've transferred that skill set, experience, and value to everything I've done.
When I transitioned to a new role at the Access program as an executive director, it involved fundraising and grant writing. However, it remained student-centered. You still need those relationships with students, your staff, and outside people.
Transitioning into this role made me realize even more how important strong relationships are. You don't always have to agree with everyone, or even necessarily like everyone, but the relationship must remain strong. You never know when you'll need to leverage those relationships.
These relationships can help you get something you need that might not always be popular or something you believe is the right path that others aren't yet convinced of. They can be the way you get hurt a little bit better and gain more buy-in.
Transitioning into a new role gave me patience for a really tough position. I had the on-the-ground experience, but not necessarily the theoretical or strategic planning experience. Many people have been rooting for me and offered support, which you can leverage when you truly need it.
I think all work is relational. You have to be an incredible organizer, able to action plan, organize those plans, and prioritize. I constantly find myself juggling many different tasks. The key is to identify the three most important things and ensure they get done before thinking about the others.