What sets Northwestern apart is how much the staff really care about making Northwestern a better place. My managers care about my development and growth, even if that means leaving their team and going elsewhere to apply my talents. ”
Paulina Kijek
Assistant Director, Finance, Administration; Northwestern University School of Law
In her time at Northwestern, Paulina Kijek has held a number of roles and found fulfillment in many different areas across the University.
“I started as a Program Assistant with ARD, moved to Kellogg to be an Administrative Assistant with the Admissions Office, and was then promoted to be the Operations Manager,” says Kijek. “Most recently I moved into the Provost Office to support that team and those units. I’ve had great opportunities to move around and grow and I look forward to continuing on that path.”
Northwestern’s employee discount program helped make some of that career growth possible.
“I took advantage of the tuition discount and received my Masters in Higher Education Administration and Policy from the School of Education and Social Policy,” says Kijek. “It took me a little over three years, but I was also working full-time at the time. I am really grateful to have been able to receive a degree from a top tier program, that is applicable to my work daily, and to learn from other practitioners, both my instructors and other students in the program.”
Northwestern is an environment and community that feels both large and small at the same time, says Kijek. And it is the relationships and connections that Kijek values most highly.
“I have made many friendships through the Northwestern community that I am going to sustain for a long time,” she says. “Whether it’s the events, through my master’s program, or through the collaborative projections I’ve been involved with, I’ve met many amazing people who have become more than just colleagues.”