career counselor

data coordinator

career coach

assistant

registered nurse

East Tennessee State University

So, there are a LOT of benefits to working at ETSU. The first and foremost of which is their tuition support (via fee waiver and reimbursement) through a terminal degree such as an Ed.D or Ph.D. Secondly, the culture of ETSU is superior to other places I've worked as they promote kindness and collegiality from top to bottom, at least in the college where I work. They offer a lot of benefits along with the job, and the State of Tennessee Health Benefits are pretty competitive.

Now comes the less-good. They don't pay very well compared to industry, and even after their "Job Families" compensation project concluded and they re-estimated salaries, they used salary brackets that were well below the industry equivalents, regardless of their claims. They did, however, do an EXCELLENT job of bringing the lowest-paid job titles up to an equitable and competitive level, which will help the entire University attract and maintain quality support staff. However, there is a very clear salary disparity between faculty, administration, and staff.

Lastly, in certain job titles and levels, there is a glass ceiling and advancement even with a terminal degree is negligible, if not impossible. If you are willing to work in a professional, flexible place with a well-balanced workweek for the lower-end of middle-class salary levels with a raise structure that is routinely outpaced by inflation, then you will likely be very happy and content. If you have aspirations for greater things and advancement, you may have to go elsewhere to move up.

I will keep this review as objective as possible, although no doubt some anger and resentment will seep through. I spent 22 years at ETSU: the first 13 years in a quasi-student support/faculty support services/administrative/teaching role that grew to encompass responsibility for virtually all faculty development at the institution; and the last 9 in an administrative role, supervising two very different and complex departments with over 100 total employees (including full-time and part-time professional and clerical workers, temp non-students, temp and scholarship students). Even though my responsibilities grew exponentially over my 22-year career, my title never changed, my salary "level" rose only three times, and I was never considered for any other positions or promotions despite a record of successful service, my pursuit of a terminal degree (which I had to put on hold three different times because of ever-increasing work duties), and a demonstrated interest in advancement. While this type of career plateau might not be indicative of the workplace culture as a whole -- I have seen good workers actually promoted because of their abilities in other university divisions -- it was certainly a common experience among those of us in "Director" roles under the umbrella of Academic Affairs.

A typical day was that anyone at any time could knock on my door whether it be in the morning or in the middle of the night. However, I did not mind having people around me asking questions so often because I am such a socialistic person, and I would help to direct them to a person that could help them with classroom issues, or technical issues. I also would sit in an office to answer questions for all of the 500 people that lived in the building. Then, I would carry a phone for 24 hours one day a week for anyone who had issues to call me. I dealt with police officers, fire men, professors, health care professionals, a whole staff of students, as well as clubs and organizations. The most difficult part of the job was finding time for studies, but it was manageable. I also learned organization skills with this job, and effective communication techniques. The most enjoyable part of the job was how I could use my creativity. Many of the people at East Tennessee State University are absolutely amazing, but the opportunities for advancement are very limited because the jobs are created for students, so that graduates do not really have the opportunity to advance unless he or she wishes to attend graduate programs of study.

Take home pay is just above poverty at best. If you’re interested in making money with your career, consider applying at Ballad, as ETSU is currently paying their nurses Ballad’s pre-pandemic salary and you are not eligible for raises if you get a good annual review. They also do not offer any extra covid pay. The paid time off is fair and the paid holidays are the best that I’ve seen with any company. You do not get paid over time. The schedule is a regular office schedule. Nurses are often expected to work with multiple doctors at once as we are usually short staffed due to call ins or requested time off. The clinic itself is a decent clinic to work for, but the University- not so much. It would just be nice to feel appreciated as a healthcare worker for the University and it would be great if we saw something come out of the meetings that we have at least 2-4 times per year with administrators- where we can “air out” grievances and explain why most of us are no longer happy working for the clinic that helped us build our career. 

East Tennessee State University, Department of Chemistry is a fun place to work in that you have a lot of experienced mentors, teachers and colleagues that you learn a lot from as you work. the pay packet is quite small but it is still ok at least to meet our needs as graduate assistants. We are taught how to teach both in class and we are also allowed to experience teaching first hand by assignment us to teach classes. The safety culture at ETSU chemistry department is a very high one and this is because of the high risk chemists are exposed to daily from toxic chemicals to occupational hazards and accidents. Thus it is good thing that the department strictly enforces the safety policies as recommended by OSHA. The hardest part of the job is combining the job of teaching with research and studying as well for your exams. this makes it a bit difficult to focus on all three as same time

Conducted nutrition assessments, provided diet education, utilized medical nutrition therapy and performed follow-up evaluations on pediatric, trauma, gastrointestinal, surgical, general medicine, cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, renal and diabetic patients
•Experience in calculation of food costs and menu development
Experience in writing school lunch menus to adhere to new government regulations
Complete nutrition screening using facility established guidelines under the direct supervision of preceptor.
Assisted preceptor in the development of nutrition care related to patient needs
Experience in using electronic charting systems
Experience in delivering nutritional counseling including individuals with food allergies, liver malfunction
Counseled families in the WIC program at the health department
Presented to parents of Autistic children on nutritional needs

There are a number of positive aspects of this major University. 
1, There are a wide range of subjects and career opportunities for any eager student to pursue.
2. The faculty and staff members are well trained.
3. A typical work day includes preparing the office for the days business, answering calls and directing clients. Following protocol for emergency situations. Scheduling appointments, creating files, 
collecting fees and preparing correspondence via email.  
4. The most enjoyable part of my job was working closely with students  and building relationships. 
5. What I've learned, there is a solution to every problem.  
The short fall at this campus is in the area of diversity, however the University is working to improve in this area.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Insurance benefits is the only best part. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
No support from administrative. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Administration only cares about their own careers. You are promised what support you need to succeed and once you sign to work you get very little to no support. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Figuring out how to do your job without support and so cheap you purchase your own supplies.

8-4:30 Monday thru Friday. I assessed clients barriers that prevented them from gaining employment and I worked with them to remove these barriers and help place them in gainful employment. I operated all office equipment; I ordered our office supplies; When needed I traveled to surrounding counties filling in for my coworkers.I secured all clients information in employers database as well as hard copy files. I scheduled and rescheduled my own clients appointments.

The pros: ETSU has amazing students. They are down-to-earth and hard workers. The red flags are typical for academia, except most universities at least offer hybrid work. ETSU does not. To address red flags: ask HR about employee diversity statistics such as #'s of pregnant/post partum employees, POC, LGBTQI* and disabled employees. Seek the population you identify with and ask about their experiences. Ask about hybrid work or flexible work arrangements.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Career counselor 3 salaries reported	$40,841 per year
Data coordinator 6 salaries reported	$40,700 per year
Career coach 6 salaries reported	$41,907 per year
Assistant 1 salary reported	$28,820 per year
Registered nurse 4 salaries reported	$45,343 per year

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