Division of Extended Campus office specialist
Applying and interviewing for a new job can be a stressful situation. But Kaylyn Hymes is the master of calming those jitters. In the OSU Division of Extended Campus, Kaylyn is responsible for a variety of roles, including ensuring new applicants have everything they need to be prepared for the application, interview and hiring processes. She’s the friendly voice on the end of the phone and a smiling face that greets you on the interview day. Prior to the Division of Extended Campus, Kaylyn worked as an education project assistant with the OSU Extension Service in Benton County. She earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University.
By Heather Doherty
Sept. 12, 2017
Hometown:
Harrisburg, Oregon
How long have you worked at Oregon State?
“I started working for Oregon State in September 2010 as a student and later as a temporary employee. I’ve been working for the Division of Extended Campus since May 2016.”
What excited you about the opportunity to work for OSU Division of Extended Campus’ administrative support team?
“I took online courses through Ecampus in order to accommodate being a full-time student and working. It is so rewarding to get to work alongside the team who made it possible for me to earn my degree!”
You hold many different roles and responsibilities. Describe the different aspects of your job.
“As part of the administrative team, I support the Division of Extended Campus – OSU Ecampus, OSU Ecampus Research Unit, OSU Summer Session, Open Oregon State and Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) – with the search and hiring process, recruitment, scheduling meetings, event planning and student hiring.
“This means that I meet with search committees, write and send out advertisements for vacant jobs, schedule interviews with candidates, book rooms and order catering for meetings and events. I also manage the student hiring process for all of the units.”
“My job gives me the opportunity to meet so many people. On any given day, I am interacting with colleagues, OSU staff and students, and people who are applying to work in Extended Campus and PACE.”
Division of Extended Campus Office Specialist Kaylyn Hymes holds many hats, including helping applicants navigate the hiring process.
What do you like most about your job?
“My job gives me the opportunity to meet so many people. On any given day, I am interacting with colleagues, OSU staff and students, and people who are applying to work in Extended Campus and PACE.”
What do you wish others knew about your job?
“It’s helpful that I love puzzles. There are a ton of moving pieces for interview scheduling and event planning. When I am scheduling for interviews or events, I am thinking about the experience as an interviewee or attendee and the transitions between the meetings.
“Also, let me know if you are interested in serving on an Extended Campus or PACE search committee or looking to serve as a search advocate for another organization – we’re always looking for volunteers.”
What do you believe is your greatest accomplishment in this position?
“Creating consistency. Searches, hiring and events require many moving parts and people to coordinate. I have worked to establish processes and steps to create consistency and efficiency in our searches.”
What advice would you like to give to Division of Extended Campus applicants?
“My advice to any applicant would be:
- Read the job description very carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Power pose to boost your confidence! There’s an awesome TED talk by Amy Cuddy called “Your body language may shape who you are.”
- It’s OK to be nervous, but just know that we are excited to meet you.”
What is one surprising thing about you that not many people know?
“I am one of the few Oregonians who loves the rain, and uses an umbrella!”
What are your favorite activities outside of work?
“Outside of work, I am either spending time with my family, going to the beach or watching Netflix. I have also been practicing calligraphy and learning sign language.”
3 Comments
Great story! We are so happy to have Kaylyn on our admin team!
Kaylyn is such a great asset to the team! Talk about someone who always brightens your day. She’s the perfect person to have as the first contact for new hires.
Yaaaaassss! Kaylyn is the best!