Scott BresslerCorrection Appended
Usually when we consider where our futures will take us, we imagine they will take us far beyond the boundaries of Wydown Boulevard and Forest Park Parkway. We envision our friends going far and wide to start on the path to their careers. But sometimes, we see some of those friends back on campus, and we ask them, “What are you still doing here?”
There are a number of Wash. U. alums who have found their dream jobs where many of us might not think to look: right here at school.
All Washington University students come through the admissions office at the start of their tenure and this is one of the offices on campus many alumni return to.
Katrina Marshall is one such person. A graduate of the Class of 2006, she is currently an assistant director of admissions because it was the only job she applied for after college.
“I love working with people, I love the University,” Marshall said. “It is a pretty perfect fit.”
As an undergraduate, Marshall studied social thought and analysis, focusing particularly on students’ transitions from high school to college.
As an assistant director of admissions, Marshall is a direct part of that transition. She travels often, visiting prospective students around the country. Sometimes, she is the student’s first contact with a representative of the University.
Now is a particularly exciting time for Marshall because of April Welcome, an event in which all admitted students have the opportunity to visit the University once more before accepting or denying an offer of admission.
“They’re all so excited,” Marshall said.
According to Marshall, she particularly enjoys the chance to meet students whom she has been in contact with for months, usually to reassure them that they will get into college and that everything will be fine.
Working on the administrative side of the University has been an exciting experience for Marshall.
“It’s a neat opportunity to see things grow,” she said.
Marshall is happy to see the University expanding physically because it means students in the future will have more resources than she had as a student. From the other side, Marshall has gained a greater appreciation for the students who comprise the University community.
“I’m finding out just how amazing students are. It’s amazing how accomplished they are,” Marshall said.
Another alum, and coincidentally Marshall’s former RA, Ozie Goodwin, is the current residential college director for the University apartments.
Goodwin graduated in 2005 with a degree in political science and a minor in writing. After school, Goodwin considered working for Teach for America but decided to take a position at school as the assistant coordinator for community service and the assistant coordinator for the Village.
“I greatly enjoy it. I wouldn’t have stayed if I didn’t,” Goodwin said with regard to his job at the University.
Goodwin feels his job is perfect because it allows him to explore the same interests he had as a student, only through a different venue.
From the administrative side, Goodwin sees just how much thought and collaboration go into the decision making that occurs at the University. He and other staff members try to consider all available input from other staff and students when making a decision that affects them.
Goodwin deals with a lot of students’ dilemmas, but he has realized that having problems is “very normal.” He strives to make every student’s life on campus happy and productive. Giving people a different perspective on challenges they face is a key component of Goodwin’s job.
One of the greatest perks of working at Wash. U. for Goodwin is the additional access he has to prominent faculty members.
“There is not really a hierarchy. Everyone has access to each other,” he said.
Over in the Stix International House, alumna Jaydee Amoloza works as a study abroad advisor. She graduated with a dual degree in 2001; she has a bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology from the College of Arts & Sciences and a minor in French, and a degree in computer science from the School of Engineering. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in the School of Social Work.
In the study abroad office, Amoloza works closely with students to help them find study abroad programs that fit their academics and excite their interests. After all the work is done, she enjoys hearing the students’ stories when they return to campus.
“It’s neat to see the impact study abroad has,” Amoloza said. She feels her job is important in making people more worldly and educated about other cultures.
The University has had an impact on many aspects of Jaydee Amoloza’s life.
Her husband, Brian Williamson, lived on her freshman floor. After she graduated, Amoloza worked in admissions while Williamson got his master’s degree.
Williamson received a travel fellowship that brought the couple to Mexico, where they lived for a several months. After that, they returned to St. Louis, and she took up her current position at the study abroad office.
When asked why she decided to return to Wash. U., she replied that she returned because of the people.
“I think the community is really what keeps me at the University,” Amoloza said.
She finds the staff here to be motivated, intelligent and creative, making the work environment exciting and inspirational.
Amoloza is also finding a way to further her career interests in her current position. An international service program, in which she would work, may be offered in the future by the University. This new program would greatly complement the degree she is presently seeking.
All three alumni share a common appreciation for the support they find in the Washington University community.
“When I was a student, it was nice to see staff support,” Marshall said, and this support is something all three want to contribute to as staff members.
Careers at the University have also enabled them to pursue their professional interests and incorporate those interests into their work.
“[The staff] at Wash. U. really do nurture whatever interests you have to be whatever kind of professional you want to be,” Goodwin said.
So if you are in the process of deciding your future plans and you feel that the University was the perfect school for you, perhaps it can be a fitting place for you to make a career, too.
Correction: An article on Wednesday, April 9 (“Hanging around: Alumni as administrators”) listed incorrectly the majors of alumna Jaydee Amoloza; Amoloza graduated with a double major in computer science and psychology, not physics. In addition, the article misstated the length of time Amoloza spent in Mexico following graduation; it was several months, not several years. Student Life regrets the errors.