October 2, 2024
Neil, your nominator characterized you as a “jack of all trades.” Could you provide some examples that showcase the versatility of your role and how you've mastered such a wide range of skills?
Indeed, years of experience in different roles across different units on campus allowed me to gain diverse skills and build a knowledge base. In my current role at the Interdisciplinary Social Science Programs (ISSP) I am involved in a long list of tasks and functions. To mention some: keys and office access management, conference rooms & meeting space reservations, printers and print codes management, computer and electronics inventory and disposal, office workspace allocations for new faculty and GSIs, records retention & compliance, facilities management, purchasing, reimbursements, financial transactions & reporting, new supplier onboarding, event planning, travel arrangements, honoraria, student assistants and work study hiring, enrollments, light scheduling, and recently academic student employees (ASE) hiring.
So, yes, I indeed perform a wide range of functions. And to remind you, I am a part timer at ISSP. For me, as probably for most, after mastering the basics, it is easier to build on and learn new skills. So, I would say most of my wide range of skills were mainly a result of organic growth, and with the more advanced skills, like enrollments and ASE hiring, I have the fortune of having an incredibly supportive manager and a colleague who is an expert in the field.
What does a “day in the life” look like for you at work?
Currently I work at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) and the Interdisciplinary Social Science Programs (ISSP), at 50% each. Both are conveniently located in Stephens Hall.
CMES is a research unit that promotes the interdisciplinary study of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at UC Berkeley. CMES is widely recognized as one of the country’s most important sources of knowledge about the Arab world, Iran, Israel, and Turkey. The Center has been a Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center over the course of some three decades, and our activities further the national interests of the United States.
ISSP is the administrative unit that oversees the interdisciplinary majors, minors and graduate programs within the Social Sciences Division of the College of Letters & Science. These programs consist of undergraduate majors in cognitive science, global studies, and political economy, with over 1,000 students. Considering there are nine of us on the staff, plus our administrative director, and that 16 of our faculty have an office at ISSP, our offices can be quite vibrant and lively. I like the office and working with my colleagues and the faculty, so I work in-person, and I am on campus every workday. My typical workday consists of managing emails, circulating around the office and connecting with colleagues and faculty members, addressing in-person inquiries, monitoring progress of current projects, and ensuring follow-ups are conducted accordingly.
What do you enjoy about your job?
My manager, ISSP Director of Administration, Rachel Crow, is truly an amazing leader. Rachel is always graceful and kind, fosters a positive work environment by leading with empathy, empowering and inspiring us team members to reach our full potential. Working closely with Rachel and knowing how hard she works, and that she is an effective and competent leader, I have a great deal of respect, admiration and appreciation for Rachel and for what she does, and I am so grateful to her. Under Rachel’s no-nonsense leadership, whatever the job is, it is given to be a positive experience for me. I always have the support and the tools I need to succeed. I don’t think it will be an exaggeration for me to think that we the staff are all inspired and motivated by Rachel to serve and support our students, faculty and each other. As a proud union member, as well as a member of the L&S community, I couldn’t have asked for a better manager and work environment.
How has your journey at UC Berkeley evolved over the past 20 years, and what changes or experiences have had the most significant impact on you during this time?
My journey at UC Berkeley has been a dynamic and a rewarding one. I have had the opportunity to engage with diverse academic disciplines. I worked at Haas School of Business, School of Education, School of Public Health, and currently I am with CMES and ISSP. Engaging with various units has allowed me to broaden my knowledge and expertise across different fields and has challenged me to think critically and adapt to new situations. It also impacted my understanding of complex issues, has enriched my perspective on collaboration, as well as fostering my personal and professional growth. I am truly convinced that I found a home in ISSP, thanks to our director Rachel Crow, dedicated colleagues, and our outstanding faculty. I feel like I am so lucky and privileged to be where I am now, and grateful for this ongoing rewarding and humbling journey with such an outstanding, accomplished group of individuals.
What are you currently learning and/or would like to learn?
Recently I took on the responsibility of overseeing the hiring of ASEs (GSIs, readers and tutors), a task that has since evolved into my managing it. Coordinating this process has proven to be a significant endeavor, often presenting complexities along the way. Fortunately, with the invaluable support and guidance provided by Rachel and Maura Vrydaghs, Academic Personnel Analyst, our dedicated in-house expert, the overall experience of managing ASE hiring has been not only seamless but also highly gratifying.
What else can you share with us about you or your work?
I take pleasure in the outdoors and cherish the consistent beauty of the Bay Area's year-round weather. During weekends, in addition to watching Netflix and the occasional binge-watching session, I find joy in taking long walks, often exploring Berkeley and Tilden Park. On average, I cover around 20 miles over the course of a weekend. My life is relatively serene, with my focus primarily on my work and career. I derive comfort and happiness from the quiet rhythm of my life, where my professional pursuits hold a significant place. In the midst of this peaceful existence, my deepest desire is for peace in the Middle East and ultimately peace throughout the world.