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How do you
find your unicorn job? Heather O’Leary-Agosta argues that rather than getting
caught up in titles, it’s more important to consider what you love about your
current role and make decisions that facilitate more of THAT. Though she was
hesitant to make a career move that seemed like a step back, Heather focused on
the quality of her work and the impact she made on the students she served, and
that led to an ideal role that fits her passion and education.
Heather found
her unicorn job as Resident Services Manager at Showa Boston Institute for Language and Culture,
a study abroad campus for a university based in Tokyo. In her role, Heather
supports the international students who comprise 100% of the student
population, familiarizing them with American culture, creating a
culturally-sensitive environment, and working with facilities and food services
to meet student expectations. Prior to Showa, Heather served as Property
Manager for the YWCA in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and General Manager of two
residence halls at MassArt for COCM.
Today, Heather joins Tara to reminisce about their time together at MassArt, sharing her responsibilities with COCM and the value in helping plan new construction on campus. Heather describes the deep support and diverse perspectives she valued at COCM and explains how she fostered lasting connections with colleagues who continue to be resources. Listen in for Heather’s advice around making strategic career moves and learn how her passion for supporting international students led to her current role at Showa.
Topics Covered
- Heather’s responsibilities working for COCM at MassArt
- The value in being involved in planning new construction
- The support + diverse perspectives Heather valued at COCM
- Heather’s career transition to property managing a YWCA
- How working with international students led Heather to Showa
- Heather’s role as Resident Services Manager at Showa Boston
- Heather’s advice around making strategic career moves
- Heather’s appreciation for lasting connections from COCM
Connect with Heather
Showa Boston
Heather on LinkedIn
Connect with Tara
Student Housing Matters
Student Housing Matters on Facebook
Student Housing Matters on Twitter
Capstone On-Campus Management
Tara on LinkedIn
