Title: Associate Director, Graduate Business Career Development, Mendoza College of Business
What was your first position at Notre Dame? What is your current role? (If you'd like, describe your career path at ND): I started as an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Budget & Planning in 2007. I spend six years immersing myself in the budget process and followed my curiosity to the College of Engineering, where I spent three years doing budgeting and financial reporting work for the College. In 2016, I transitioned to Development and served as an Assistant Director and Prospect Analyst for Corporate and Foundation Relations before leaving the University in 2017. I spent two years reflecting on my personal and professional priorities before returning to Notre Dame in my current role in 2019.
Tell us about a positive mentoring experience you've had — either as a mentor or mentee: Two of my best mentors were two of my former bosses, Linda Kroll and Bob Cunningham. Linda was one of the first to recognize my potential, and she gave me opportunities to develop both my skills and confidence in ability. Her leadership/mentorship laid a foundation that influenced my success at the next level. Bob Cunningham built upon this by giving me autonomy and creativity in my work, and allowing me the space to learn and grow through failure (but not too much failure!) Their investment in me was invaluable, and I wouldn't be the person I am today without their mentorship.
What is your favorite book, podcast or Ted Talk? What did you learn from it and/or how did it inspire you/why would you recommend it? I'm a personality assessment junkie, and I really got into studying the Enneagram a few years ago. One of my favorite books on the subject is Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile's "The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery." It helped me to understand some of my core fears and motivations, which gave me a whole new sense of self. I refer to it on a regular basis as I continue to learn and grow personally and professionally.