This week we talked with 2018 SVC Award Winner Art Gong from UCSF Finance about his transition from a data analyst position in Accounts Payable to his new role as a senior data analyst in Audit & Advisory Services. 

Last summer UCSF Finance’s Arthur Gong was one of three FAS staff members to receive a Senior Vice Chancellor Award for exceptional efforts. Art was recognized as a continuous learner who repeatedly volunteers to stretch beyond his role in contributing to projects. At the time he was a disbursements data analyst in Accounts Payable. Since then he’s taken on a new position as a senior data analyst in Audit & Advisory Services. We checked in with him about the transition. 

Tell us about your new role.
I was hired to support the various data analysis needs of Audit & Advisory Services, with responsibility for the financial management dashboard. I like helping people, and here I get to support all of our auditors who review, analyze and help clients understand what’s happening in their departments.

What surprised you in your new role?
The word “auditor” makes some people feel fear. They envision that auditors come in and look at your books and show you where you were in trouble. Audits and auditors aren’t something to be feared but rather something that helps departments understand their processes and data. Our service helps all departments understand compliance and risk issues.

What's something you like about your new department's culture?
Our team just held a huddle to brainstorm ideas to address a problem. A lot of our work happens with coworkers managing their own projects, but there are opportunities to work together on things too. I’m not an auditor, but I get to support a lot of different people, and I like the interaction.

What tip would you give to colleagues who are transitioning to a new role?
Really understand your strengths. For example, I know data. The data in my new job has more variety, and it’s new for me. It’s exciting, but it’s also intimidating. I can feel more confident when I understand my skills and know how to play on my strengths. Remember, your skills are what got you where you are now, and they will serve you well when you get started in your new role too.

On Thursday, March 28, the UCSF Talent Acquisition team will launch a yearlong series to provide job seekers with best practices, advice, and insights on finding a new role, and hiring managers with tips and tools to find the ideal candidate. Each quarter will feature a different workshop aimed at a successful talent match journey.

The first session of this series is Ace That Interview – an interviewing skills workshop, designed for employees preparing to seek a new opportunity with the goal of learning effective interviewing skills such as preparation, making a good impression, and post-interview etiquette. In addition to the tips above, attendees will have an opportunity to go through a mock interview and participate in a Q&A session.

Details
Thursday, March 28th from 11am-12pm at Mission Hall, room 2103
Please RSVP by March 27th via Eventbrite (password is UCSF).

Be on the lookout for information on upcoming workshops throughout the year:
June: Resume and Cover Letter Writing
September: Manager Interview and Selection Training
December: Creating Engaging Job Postings

You like good news, and we want to share more of what’s good in 2019 with our FAS community. One Good Thing is the “cookie jar” of emails: open it up for a quick, sweet break in your week! Every Wednesday, we’ll share One Good Thing happening in FAS.  

Check out last week's One Good Thing: Kelly & Johnny's Happy Moment