By Vanessa Livingstone, Office of Human Resources

Tom Mahoney

Summer Transfer Position: Shop Helper, Electric Shop

How long have you worked at Princeton?

Thirteen years.

What department do you normally work in?

I work in Building Services as a custodian.

How did you hear about the Summer Transfer Program?

I first heard about the program through word-of-mouth. I’ve participated for several years in the Electric Shop, and during my first summer I worked in the Carpenter Shop.

How different is your STP role compared to your usual job?

Working in the Electric Shop is different because the responsibilities are broader. I like that every day is something new, and that I get to interact with my coworkers and our customers across campus. I have a background in construction and the Summer Transfer Program gets me back into that mindset.

What skills are you looking forward to developing this summer?

Now that I’ve spent a few summers in the Electric Shop, my coworkers have gotten to know me and know my skills. I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge and taking on more responsibility this summer.

What is your ideal goal for the Summer Transfer Program?

My goal is to become a full-time employee in the Electric Shop. The Summer Transfer Program inspired me to pursue more education in the electric field.

How would you describe your first two weeks in your new role?

Awesome!

What has been the most rewarding so far? The most challenging?

The most rewarding thing is gaining knowledge and getting to service the University in a different way. Learning the dynamics of a new atmosphere can be challenging at first, but you get to practice your social and professional skills in a new setting.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about doing the STP next year?

Do it! Be on the lookout for when the application process begins in the fall so you won’t miss it.

How would you describe working at Princeton?

I would advise anyone to come work here. The University is helping to pay for my daughter’s college education — that is a big reason why I decided to work here. The benefits are great and the people are great.

Do you participate in any other staff programs?

I am an executive board member on the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Board. Members of the Union come to me when they need guidance and I help them the best I can. I was also a founding member of the Peer Safety Group in Building Services.

Reetika Sood

Summer Transfer Position: Housing Operations Assistant, Housing & Real Estate Services

How long have you worked at Princeton?

Two years.

What department do you normally work in?

I am a food service worker in Campus Dining.

How did you hear about the Summer Transfer Program?

I read about the program on the Human Resources website.

Have you participated in the program before?

This is my first year participating in the program.

What tasks are you working on in your new role?

So far, I’ve been taught how to conduct fire drills and housing inspections. I am a quick learner — and for me, building good relationships is important. Since I love to engage in conversation, I met the associate director for finance and she offered to train me. Now I will be working on housing in the morning and finance in the afternoon.

What skills are you looking forward to developing this summer?

I’m looking forward to learning more technical skills. I’m excited to learn about the housing management software and Princeton Prime.

How would you describe your first two weeks in your new role?

It has been such a warm welcome. The people here are very friendly and have a good sense of humor. Not only on the floor where I work, but I also like to visit the other floors to talk with them so I can learn how student housing is different from faculty and staff housing. It feels like I’ve been working here for a long time!

What is your ideal goal for the Summer Transfer Program?

Being an enthusiastic learner, I always look forward to new things. My goal for the summer is to have a more well-rounded idea of how the University operates.

What has been the most rewarding so far?

I’m so glad that my skill set was recognized and I was given this great opportunity to grow personally and professionally. I am thankful to the people who had confidence in me to participate in this program.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in expanding their learning?

Keep your eyes on the Employee Learning Center for classes! I try to take as many classes as I can fit into my busy schedule. I recently finished the Management Development Certificate Program (MDCP) and am looking to pursue the Inclusion & Diversity Certificate Program (I&DCP). It’s important to learn and we have so many great opportunities.

How would you describe working at Princeton?

I really admire the diversity, equity, and inclusion we foster here. It’s a great place to be when you are an immigrant coming from another country.

Do you participate in any other staff programs, like ERGs?

I am on the Leadership Committee for the Disability Alliance at Princeton (DAP) and I also participate in the Women of Princeton ERG (WERG) and the International Employees Group at Princeton (IEGAP).

If your department is interested in hosting summer transfer positions in 2024, contact the SEIU STP Committee at x8-3300 or email Kamara Blackman.