Talking with…Pamela Hwang
Interviews | Mar 24, 2017 | Gabelli Connect Admin
Each “Talking with…” feature gives you a closer look into the life of a different Gabelli School faculty member, administrator, or staff member. This week, meet Pamela Hwang, the administrative assistant to the Gabelli School’s doctoral programs: the PhD and the Doctor of Professional Studies.
How long have you been at Fordham?
I have been with Fordham since February 2016. I have not worked in a friendlier or more team‐oriented professional environment.
What part of your previous experience do you find most helpful for this role?
I worked in the corporate world as a project manager in one of my previous roles, and the skills and experience I gained during that time are helping me tremendously now as I engage with all parts of the Fordham community and with partner schools, such as Peking University. With multiple cohorts in our Doctor of Professional Studies program and recruiting underway for the second class of our PhD in business, I need to be sharper than ever.
What’s the most enjoyable part of your day?
I look forward to greeting and meeting my coworkers and students. I am reminded of how blessed I am to work with and know a great set of colleagues, teammates, and friends.
The most challenging part of your day?
Fighting through traffic and navigating through the packed subways are definitely the most dreaded parts of my day.
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the spring semester?
One of the biggest projects I am working on now is helping to organize a major international conference for our PhD program that will be held in May. It will showcase some of the most advanced PhD-level students around the globe. On the personal side, I’m delighted to join the celebration for a dear friend turning 95.
Do you have any advice for prospective doctoral students?
My best advice is to be ready for the challenge. The PhD and DPS degrees may be relatively new programs, but the academic challenges are not. Students should be prepared to develop new skills and expertise and be excited, as our faculty are some of the most highly-qualified professionals in their respective fields.
Fun questions
Book you’ve read the most times:
Shall I say The Nature of Space and Time by Stephen Hawking? In reality, I am quite familiar with any book by Dr. Seuss, as I read them often to my son at bedtime.
Movie you’re most excited to see:
Does the year 2001 count? The movie was Harry Potter.
Favorite museum in New York City:
The American Museum of Natural History. It’s always been a childhood favorite of mine because of the Egyptian wing and the richness in culture of all its exhibits. I find this museum to be one that is enjoyed across generations.
Do you usually bring your lunch to work or buy it?
I pack lunch so I can include healthier options, but I also buy it to change up my daily routine.
Where will your next trip outside the city take you?
My family plans to visit relatives on the West Coast in the near future. My goal to visit Europe has yet to materialize.
Sunset or sunrise:
Sunrise—I enjoy the quiet of the mornings before my family is awake.
