Staff Spotlight: Gerald Clay

Students are not the only people that make up Rollins. Hundreds of faculty and staff help to support student growth and flourishing. Throughout this series, we hope to highlight different faculty and staff members across Rollins and the role they play in helping students.

Gerald Clay has over 25 years of experience in Business Operations Management and Adult Career Development. He served as a Senior Operations Manager for a large international company handling Multinational Outsourcing Mortgage Operations. Clay joined the Emory University community over 10 years ago as a Sr. Operations Manager for the Continuing Adult Education program. He developed processes and procedures to enhance the overall student experience.

His experience includes operational efficiency, process improvement, employee development, community engagement, and talent acquisition. Clay prides himself on being able to identify strengths and weaknesses and provide feedback to promote career advancement and personal development. His experience as a leader of multiple teams and an effective team member gives him unique perspectives on the dynamics of successful teamwork.

What do you do in your current position?
As the Assistant Director of Career Services and Engaged Learning, I wear many hats. Firstly, I provide career development coaching to students and alumni to help them become career ready. I help students make informed decisions to help them reach their career goals.  Additionally, I function as the Staff Coordinator of the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows, the Global Field Experience Financial Award, support the Scholars-in-Action Service Committee, and function as an Administrator for the Applied Practice Experience (APE) Portal.  

What inspires you in the position that you currently occupy? 
I am inspired by the talented students that I engage with daily. They are very passionate about the field of public health and driven to make a difference in the world. They inspire me to be a better Career Coach. I enjoy the rich diversity of the students at RSPH.

What is the best part of the Office of Career Development? 
The best part of The Office of Career Development office is the seasoned career coaches. They are very passionate about preparing students for the world of work and do a phenomenal job in ensuring that are provided with the tools and research needed for career success.

What is one of the most memorable interactions you have had with a student? 
A student came into a coaching session with me. The student was not confident about his past work history. He was concerned that he would not be able to get an interview with his “dream” company. We worked through his transferrable skills, updated his resume, and conducted mock interview sessions. The student received several offers including some that were even better than he hoped. The student thanked me for taking the time to help him develop into a confident person. He mentioned to me that he has begun volunteering in his church to help young people hone their resumes and interview skills.

What is something you recommend to current students for their success at Rollins? 
I strongly recommend that students be proactive in their job search by interacting with the Office of Career Development soon. The office assists students with their career development process through workshops, one-on-one job search advice, resume development, practice interviews, and proactive recruiting outreach. The Office of Career Development also offers networking opportunities for students to connect with employers. Such opportunities include career fairs, Employer Information Sessions, Industry Panels, etc.  Early contact is integral to the success of students and graduates so that they can acquire the necessary job search and professional development skills.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? 
I attend DragonCon each year and I am an avid collector of Marvel comics. I have hundreds of comics including several 1^st appearances of some popular characters.