Career Services Spotlight – Amy Chea, MPA ’19, Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF)

What is your new job? How did you obtain it?
I am the Program Officer/Small Business Advisor at the Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), which is a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI). I was working at the Division of Early Childhood Education (DECE) during grad school, and was still employed there when I was job hunting. I actually worked with LIIF during my time at DECE so I was introduced to their work and their team beforehand. When I was job hunting, a position opened up at LIIF and I networked with the folks I knew from there and was referred to  meet with the National Director of Early Care and Education at LIIF during one of her work trips to NYC. We had a great conversation about Early Care and Education and my professional and personal experiences, and continued to have these conversations until I was given the offer!

How long were you actively jobseeking?
I was actively job seeking for 3 months after graduation.

What was your job search strategy during this period?
I utilized the Marxe CareerConnect emails A LOT! There are always so many great positions listed at organizations that seem aligned to my values and my interests. But at the same time, I used my personal and professional networks to find job openings that I felt might suit me and my new degree.

What do you think were the secrets to your success?
I think my secret to success has a lot to do with relationship building. By making efforts to know the people I work and interact with professionally, I leave an impression that people remember. So when a job opens up, they think, “Amy might be a good fit for this role!” Aside from relationship building, I believe I am successful because I am honest about my passions during the interview process. I dedicate myself 100% to any job I am in and want to convey that to employers when I’m interviewing!

What advice do you have for jobseekers out there?
My advice for job seekers is to be true to yourself and your values and you will go far. Try to find a job that aligns with your interests, your skills, and your values, so that you know your efforts are being put to the best use possible! And if it doesn’t happen right away, keep going. And don’t settle (if you can help it!) – negotiate your salary for what you are worth! Work on that imposter syndrome and know that you belong in the work force, in a field you love!