Alysha Bucci Lassalle
Graduate Program Administrative Assistant, Gallery Guard
Department of Psychological Sciences, The William Benton Museum of Art
How did you find your position? What was the process like from application to the offer stage? Please detail your experience.
I found the Graduate Program Administrative Assistant position on JobX in August 2022. About a month after applying, I received an email from the Graduate Program Coordinator inviting me to schedule an in-person interview. During the interview we discussed my interest in the role and responsibilities. A few days later, I was offered the position. The process was straightforward and I appreciated the opportunity to begin my career in an administrative role. I found the Gallery Guard position through a friend who was employed at the museum. After hearing about her experience, I reached out to the Curator of Education via email to inquire about openings for the following semester. Shortly after, I was offered the position.
What made you apply for your position?
I applied for the Graduate Program Administrative Assistant position position because it aligned with my interest in administrative work and I wanted to gain more hands-on experience in a professional setting, as I did not have any at the time. The role also offered to opportunity to work with faculty and graduate students. Additionally, I was looking for a position that would allow me to develop my communication skills which would be valuable for my future career. I applied for the Gallery Guard position because of my appreciation for art and I was looking for another on-campus job to save extra money.
How have you been able to balance your schoolwork and work responsibilities? Please provide details of any challenges or hurdles you have encountered.
Being able to balance schoolwork and work responsibilities requires strong time management and organizational skills. I prioritized tasks by maintaining a structured schedule by setting deadlines for myself using digital planners (Todoist for schoolwork and Trello for work). One of the biggest challenges I faced was when there was a vacancy in the Graduate Program Coordinator position, which was my direct supervisor. I had to take on additional responsibilities. I was completing work that would typically take 40 hours per week in just 10 hours. This required me to work efficiently and stay focused on the most important tasks. Additionally, managing midterms and finals was another hurdle. To overcome these challenges, I planned ahead and communicated with a supervisor when the workload was too much. This experience significantly strengthened my multitasking and problem solving skills.
What are your personal keys to success and what aspects of your job do you find the most fulfilling?
My key to success has been strong organization and determination. When I set my mind to something, it gets done efficiently and effectively. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this position is knowing that my work directly supports our graduate students. I enjoy interacting with them, hearing about their experiences, and contributing to a positive academic environment. I also appreciate all of the hard work that goes into planning departmental events, such as Spooktacular Poster Night and Spring Day. It is rewarding to see these events come together successfully, especially when they attract a large turnout.
Describe your typical day at work?
A typical day at work involves a variety of administrative tasks. I manage the Psychological Sciences Graduate weekly newsletter via Soapbox. I also create monthly LinkedIn announcements to keep the community informed. My role includes overseeing email correspondence, responding promptly to inquiries from faculty, staff, current students, and prospective students. I maintain the departmental bulletin boards by posting job opportunities, event flyers, and resources relevant to graduate students. I design promotional materials and event flyers using Canva and I assist with planning and executing departmental events. I also edit and update the Department of Psychological Sciences website using the Aurora WordPress Website Builder. In addition, I support the graduate admissions process by reviewing applications in Slate, processing acceptances and rejections, and drafting offer letters. Another key part of my role includes developing and maintaining training manuals and handbooks. Lastly, I participate in weekly meetings with the Associate Department Head to discuss updates, ensuring alignment with departmental goals.
What skills have you acquired or developed in your on-campus job?
In my position, I have developed a variety of skills that will contribute significantly to my career readiness and professional development. First, I have mastered my organizational and time-management skills through managing multiple tasks. I have also strengthened my communication skills by responding to a wide range of inquiries from faculty, staff, and students, as well as collaborating with colleagues on various projects. Additionally, I have gained proficiency in design tools like Canva for creating promotional materials, and learned to manage website content using WordPress. My experience with administrative software, such as Kuali Build and Slate, has also improved my technical skills, particularly in process management and data handling. Furthermore, I have gained valuable experience in event planning, which has sharpened my attention to detail and ability to multitask in fast-paced environments. I’ve also developed leadership skills by training the new hire and participating in the interview process for the successor role. All of these experiences have enhanced my ability to work both independently and as part of a team, preparing me for a successful career in administrative roles or other professional settings.
