Ellen Murphy

I have worked at UB for seven years, but there was a break between years three and four.

I really enjoy when students who have worked so hard on their career preparation and academics come in and share their job placement. I get to see and share their excitement (and relief) for the next stage of their lives. It is truly an honor.

Honestly, it is the current administrations’ view on immigration. Unfortunately, it negatively effects our international students and the future US economy. It is nothing short of heartbreaking speaking with a student who tells you “If I do not get a job in the U.S. I will never be able to repay my student loans back in my home country.”  I am very proud of how the entire School of Management and UB supports our international population.

I am not sure I have what people would call a “biggest achievement”.  I think in some roles such as mine, it’s the small things that you find yourself most proud, like when a student tells you that the advice or resource you shared was really helpful, or when you convince a student to “drink the networking Kool Aid” and they start having great conversations with alumni and executives. In addition, when an alum you have not seen in a while forgoes the handshake for a hug and makes UB truly feel like family.

Four members of the Career Resource Center were raised in the Syracuse, NY area (central, New York in the house!) We are a small but mighty minority.

Get out of your offices and walk around our buildings and campus. Seeing the students in the halls and study lounges is a great reminder why we are here and our mission as an institution. As an advisor, it can also lead to impromptu counseling session.

I love to be outside and having a dog in the city keeps me outdoors all year round. In the winter when it is dark at 5 p.m., I like to walk the dog through Delaware Park’s golf course. The contrast between the park’s quiet and serene fields, and the lights from the surrounding neighbors and cars on the 198, is magical. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and visiting family.

Giada’s Roman-Style Chicken. It is so easy and delicious. I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in.

Italy, Hawaii, and just see more of US in general.

My friends joke that I have had more side/part-time jobs than anyone they know. “Oh I worked there” is not an uncommon comment of mine. Important to note: I have never been fired and I have fond memories of working at most of them.

For example, off the top of my head, I have worked at the Doller Tree, A1 Restaurant, A&W, Colter Bay, Cornell Sports Camp, Geneseo College Union (washing pots and pans), Banana Republic, Pottery Barn, Trout Unlimited, Ann Taylor, CVS, Ponderosa, Beer Captain (Taste of Buffalo), Dick’s Sporting Goods, Mobile-on-the-Run/Tim Hortons, Marlboro bar events (never a smoker), Albright-Knox Gift Shop, Urban Outfitters, Walt Disney World, Third Edition Bar in DC (in St. Elmo’s Fire)….and the list goes on and on.