Teresa, Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson School of Management: Advize Career Interview
A chance summer job unexpectedly launched a fulfilling career in higher education.
The journey from an entry-level university role to Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson School of Management involved navigating diverse responsibilities, from managing budgets and staff to addressing student and faculty concerns.
Success in this demanding role hinges on adaptability, effective communication, and a calm demeanor, skills honed over a decade working under various leadership styles.
The interviewee highlights the immense satisfaction derived from working with a diverse community and the opportunity for personal and professional growth within higher education.
The rewarding aspects include witnessing the growth of students and colleagues, combined with valuable lessons learned about collaboration and understanding diverse perspectives.
This career path offers a valuable insight into the various roles available within universities and the importance of strong listening skills and flexibility in a multifaceted environment.
The interviewee's own experience, including undergraduate leadership roles and the balancing act between academics and employment, offers relatable advice for students seeking a similar path.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Teresa Djedjro
Chief of Staff
UCLA Anderson School of Management
American University and Antioch University (2019)
currently at UCLA Law, MLS program
International Relations & Affairs
Education
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of a Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson School of Management
Teresa's career path in higher education began unexpectedly with a high school friend's mother offering a summer job at the University of Texas at Austin; this "inside scoop" into college life, combined with roles in human resources and management at both the campus and business school levels, ultimately led to their current position as Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson School of Management.
Main Responsibilities of a Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson
Teresa's chief of staff role at UCLA Anderson School of Management functions much like a CEO's office, requiring Teresa to manage a diverse range of issues—"putting out a lot of fires"—from student concerns to faculty and staff matters, while also overseeing budgeting and supervising staff. This role allows Teresa to apply skills gained through prior education and experience, enabling them to support the dean and the smooth functioning of the school.
A Day in the Life of a Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson
A typical day for the Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson involves prioritizing emails, especially those from the dean, and "checking in with folks" to ensure smooth operations. This role requires constant communication, acting as a liaison to the Board of Advisors and striving to be "the resource" for the dean by proactively anticipating and addressing questions about various projects.
Most Important Skills for a Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson School of Management
Teresa, UCLA Anderson School of Management's Chief of Staff, identifies three crucial skills: adaptability ("being able to pivot from one project or thinking to the other"), "managing up" by tailoring communication to the supervisor's style and needs, and maintaining a calm demeanor to effectively handle diverse situations and deliver solutions. Ten years in the role, working under three different deans, has honed these skills and taught Teresa the importance of understanding different management styles to maintain a calm and solution-oriented approach.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Chief Of Staff At UCLA Anderson
Teresa, UCLA Anderson School of Management's Chief of Staff, most enjoys the diverse perspectives of "different kinds of people" she interacts with—students, faculty, staff, and more—all contributing to the school's success. The close collaboration with the Dean, "the main decision maker," and understanding his priorities for the school's advancement are also key sources of satisfaction in her role.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Chief Of Staff At UCLA Anderson
Teresa's biggest challenge as Chief of Staff is "learning the different styles of colleagues," adapting her approach to maximize effectiveness; this contrasts with the immense satisfaction Teresa derives from "managing people," viewing it as an opportunity to foster professional growth and celebrating their successes as a "badge of honor."
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As A Chief Of Staff
Teresa, UCLA Anderson School of Management's Chief of Staff, finds the most rewarding aspect of working in education "seeing people grow," both students and colleagues, and learning from their diverse perspectives and experiences. This environment, fostered by access to "leaders in their field," provides a unique perspective, shaping their thinking and allowing them to contribute to impactful work within the institution's framework.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Higher Education, According To A Chief Of Staff At UCLA Anderson
Teresa, UCLA Anderson School of Management's Chief of Staff, highlights flexibility and "really good listening skills" as crucial for success in higher education, emphasizing the need to filter information and possess patience given the diverse roles and individuals involved. The ability to be part of a community, she adds, is a key attribute for thriving in this multifaceted environment.
What a Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson wishes they had known before entering the higher education industry
Teresa, UCLA Anderson School of Management's Chief of Staff, wishes they had known the diverse range of roles within higher education—from "Tech folks" to program managers—and the potential for a fulfilling career path beyond a myopic student perspective. The surprising enjoyment Teresa found in the work, contrasting initial perceptions of grumpy administrators, highlights the unexpected rewards and career growth opportunities within higher education.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring University Staff
Entry-level university positions, such as "administrative assistant," provide a "great entree" into various departments, allowing for upward mobility; other readily available roles include accounting and hospitality services, with the stability of higher education employment, including "really good health benefits," often a significant draw for long-term careers.
Significant Career Lesson From a Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson
Teresa's most significant career lesson was learning that "not everyone thinks the way that I do," requiring a shift from a self-focused approach to one prioritizing organizational mission and colleague relationships. This change fostered stronger collaborations and ultimately led to greater success than a solely self-serving approach would have.
College Experiences That Helped a Chief of Staff at UCLA Anderson Succeed
Teresa's undergraduate experience involved leadership roles in campus clubs, teaching valuable skills in "lead[ing] people from a lot of different areas, different backgrounds," and accountability. Balancing a part-time job with full-time studies, while acknowledging a period of academic probation due to excessive socializing, ultimately shaped their ability to compartmentalize tasks and manage competing priorities—skills directly applicable to their current Chief of Staff role at UCLA Anderson.
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