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.
Higher Education, Career Paths, Professional Development, Teamwork, Job Satisfaction
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. There are many different roles in higher education beyond teaching, including technology, landscaping, program management, and administration.
2. Working in higher education involves more than just answering phones and emails; it requires creativity, teamwork, and collaboration.
3. It is possible to find a fulfilling and enjoyable career in higher education, even if initial experiences with administrators were negative or uninspiring.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
It's really about understanding that you can make a career out of this. My father was a professor, so his was a very focused path – just teaching. I didn't realize there are so many different types of roles in higher education.
We have our tech folks, people who work in landscaping, the teachers, and the program managers. There are so many different types of roles. I'm not sure if someone had told me, I would have understood until I really got into it and could see it for myself.
As a student, I had a pretty myopic view of working in higher education. I thought all people did was sit and answer phone calls and write emails. Yes, that's part of it, but it takes a lot more work, creativity, and talking.
You need collegiality and teamwork to make a university run. Another thing I wish I had known before getting into higher education is how much I would actually enjoy it. It sounds corny, but it's true.
During my undergrad days, I dealt with a few administrators who were just grumpy. I don't know their life stories, but they were grumpy. It wasn't something I aspired to.
Once I got into higher education, I found that I really, really enjoyed it. I've been able to learn many different skills and use my own personal strengths and interests in my position. I didn't think I could have a job like this, and frankly, I didn't know you could grow to love it and make it a career.
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