Employee Spotlight: Armando Jimenez

Photo of Armando Jimenez
October 31, 2019

Tell me about your current role at Yale University?

I have been at the university since July 1, 2019, as the Employer Partnership Manager Associate Director. I am a relationship manager between corporate employers, recruiters, and MBA students in the Career Development Office at SOM. I am the bridge that connects students to their designed career opportunities. 

What are your main responsibilities?

My main responsibilites include: Managing relationships with alum and recruiters at partner locations, being a liaison for student clubs and groups (50+), and providing guidance for partners and students for successful engagement. 

What do you like most about your work?

The ability to connect our rising leaders to opportunities that they desire.

How does your job affect your general lifestyle?

It continuously reminds me there are special elements to each individual. Working at a school like Yale SOM, the international diversity of backgrounds has allowed me to become aware of what impact we have as an institution. I believe that the greatest thing we have on earth is the fact that everyone is different.   

How did you begin your career?

I graduated from UCONN with a Bachelor of Science, with a focus on management entrepreneurship. I accepted my first job in Washington D.C. as a consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. I worked at the Pentagon during my time there. I focused on budgeting and strategy. I realized my best work came from working with people and transitioned into partnership development and strategy at Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). After 4 years of working at MLT, I knew my passion lied within working in higher education, to surround myself around the minds of rising leaders. 

What steps would you recommend one take to prepare to enter this field?

Here are my top 3 steps: Be open to learning and feedback, be intentional with what you want to accomplish, and remember that it’s okay to have fun throughout the journey.

What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field?

Here are my top 3 key skills: Communication as a whole – listening for understanding and responding to answer the question; customer focus – working for the students while working with the partners; and flexibility.

If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change?

I feel that my previous experience got me to where I am today. I wouldn’t change anything because my journey was laid out the way it needed to be, and it is still going. 

What does YLNG mean to you and how have you contributed as a member of the Steering Committee?

YLNG has been a resource that has welcomed me to bring who I am to the table. YLNG has provided me with a sense of belonging, sense of ownership, and a sense of impact. I’ve provided insights and ideas as a new member to the steering committee and have offered my time and commitment to the overall goals of YLNG. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Yale community, but even more appreciative of having YLNG in the foundation of my growth here.