Major(s) and Minor: Psychology Major and Organizational Leadership Minor
Why did you choose Organizational Leadership as your minor?
I decided on Organizational leadership minor because I wanted a deeper understanding of how leadership impacts individuals in professional, academic and social settings.
What did you like most about it?
The faculty is excellent; classes were interactive, and it empowered students to understand and practice the corresponding leadership styles based in various situations encountered in organizational environments.
What is your current position, what do you, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Currently, I work at Proud Moments ABA as a paraprofessional. I am new to this agency. However, I work with children and adolescents that are diagnosed within the autism spectrum disorder. My younger brother has autism, and his diagnosis inspired me to pursue a career as a registered behavior technician while incorporating specific leadership styles to help them achieve fundamental learning objectives.
What was your first job after Rutgers and how did you get it?
Immediately after graduating from Rutgers University I began my career with the Owen Health Care agency. Providing individual support services to clients with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I applied to Owen Health Care through indeed.com. Not long after, a hiring manager contacted, phone screened, and interviewed me. My knowledge of applied behavior analysis methodologies and Organizational leadership were essential factors in landing the position.
How did you move from that first job to your current position?
I decided that although I loved my clients at Owen Health Care, it was time to move onto an evidence-based practice of ABA. Applied Behavior Analysis was calling my name! Therefore, I submitted a two weeks’ notice, situated all the paperwork for each of my clients, and applied to agencies where I could work alongside a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. I am also currently applying to special need school jobs, where I can practice as an RBT, and eventually a BCaBA (once I complete the credentials).
Looking back, what classes or experiences at Rutgers would you point to as contributing to your successes?
Every class at Rutgers was a contributor to my success. However, my organizational leadership classes were a key factor in my understanding of leadership in the workplace. The Advanced Organizational Application Capstone (713:404) course with Dr. Hyndman significantly contributed to my achievements in the workplace and beyond. Being placed in a supervisory role, I had the opportunity to put into practice what I had learned in my organizational leadership courses. Lastly, My paper on Leadership Styles Appropriate for Applied Behavior Analysis, published by the Scarlet Cap Organizational Leadership Student Journal (Volume 6, Page.12). Associating the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis with leadership theories helps through my journey working with children that have autism spectrum disorder.
What advice do you have for our current Arts and Sciences students?
There are many opportunities at Rutgers in The School of Arts and Science, both professionally and academically. Take advantage of networking opportunities, do not be afraid to speak with your professors, their knowledge and experiences can guide you towards clearer professional goals.