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.
Leadership, Higher Education, Mentorship, Intergenerational Collaboration, Impactful Work
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
Video Highlights
1. Witnessing students' educational and personal growth is incredibly rewarding.
2. The opportunity to learn from colleagues and contribute to impactful work in a university setting is a key benefit.
3. Connecting with diverse individuals across generations broadens perspectives and shapes viewpoints.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about working in the education industry?
I enjoy seeing people grow, especially students. I enjoy watching them develop educationally and mentally, though not so much physically. Emotionally, it's especially rewarding.
We have a couple of undergraduate students who work in our office. Being able to watch them learn new skills simply by being in the workplace is very rewarding. It sounds a little trite to say it, but it's true. They teach me a lot too, and I enjoy that.
In education, there's something very special about people learning, not just students. Staff members and faculty are a bit different, but even staff members being able to learn something new or be exposed to different types of people, communities, and ways of thinking is very rewarding.
This is based on my own experience. My father was an educator, so education was always important to us. I never really understood why until I started having friends in different industries. They would share about their workplaces, and I couldn't imagine working somewhere abusive or where people lacked the same motivation to impact change or develop others.
It's rewarding to watch people grow and be a part of it, especially when they can apply what they learn with us to bigger and better things. I like being in the middle of impactful work.
Sometimes I have conversations with faculty and staff members, and I learn so much about things I never knew. I also have access to faculty and staff who are leaders in their fields. I enjoy that close access and being in a university setting.
Connecting with different generations, both older and younger than me, gives me a unique perspective on the world and how different people see things. This has really shaped my perspective and viewpoint. I've changed my thinking on a lot of things simply because of that exposure and connection with different types of people.
I don't think the education field is for everyone. In a large public institution, things don't always move as quickly as you might want. You might have an idea, but it takes many layers to get it done. However, once you understand the parameters and restrictions of working in higher education, you can really get a lot out of it.
Advizer Personal Links
teresadjedjro