For as long as she can remember, Business and Technology Management graduate Keyona Waddell had an interest in how companies function. Upon completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Stevenson University, Keyona completed a manager-in-training program at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. After several years in different positions, she started working at Kelly Services, Inc. where she currently serves as the Operations Coordinator for the entire DC-Baltimore Territory. We were able to speak with Keyona about her professional career and how she uses what she learned at Stevenson to reach success.
Please describe your current position.
My position involves working with the territory Vice President to make sure all the offices in the DC-Baltimore region are run efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, I provide the offices with administration support, provide customer service for clients, and manage basic human resources needs for the local team.
Were you always interested in business and technology?
I was always interested in business and how companies functioned. I got involved in business in high school when I was accepted into a magnet program that was centered on business functions and principles.
How did the Stevenson faculty and staff help you reach your education and career goals?
I believe the biggest help from faculty and staff was the openness I received from every professor. Every staff member was available to answer questions and was passionate about the classes they were teaching. At Stevenson, I felt the staff was driven to see me succeed as a business professional and was determined to make sure the principles they could teach were understood and maintained for my professional success.
My Student Success Coach, Murry Baskerville, really was a huge help in my master’s career. He helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses throughout the program. He provided me with an open door and ear. Murry gave great direction for me to able to achieve my goal of finishing graduate school early as well as, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I am truly grateful for his leading and to this day, I still value his wisdom and guidance that have helped me to this point in my career.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
Seeing the change and growth in the offices. Since joining the Kelly Services team, we have increased in size and furthermore, we have developed a stronger team; a team that supports one another and is determined to meet our overall goals. Being able to visit every office and see the impact we are having in helping others obtain jobs is the biggest reward – it is like we a rebuilding the communities around us through staffing.
What are the key characteristics needed to succeed in your field?
Determination, drive, focus, and administrative as well as leadership skills.
What would you consider the most important thing you have learned?
Do not quit when it gets hard. Challenges will only make you stronger and we are only stronger then by pressing through the fire. To those starting out in the business technology field, my advice would be to become a sponge. Soak up all the information you can and never be content with what you know because it’s always more information and room to grow.
What are a few hobbies and interests of yours?
I love to watch movies, spend time with my niece, and participate at community outreach events.
Your favorite place that you have traveled to.
My favorite place I have traveled to thus far would be London. London is a beautiful place overall with so much to see. Buckingham Place was beautiful to see in person.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
What inspires me is being an example to young people. I want to be the light and hope that anything is possible.