program coordinator

graduate researcher

research assistant

administrative services

program manager

Florida International University

My time working at FIU helped me make sense of who I was, in and out of the office, and realize what I really want out of a job. It also helped me feel more connected to Miami and to the university as a whole since I am also an alumna. If you're looking for a steady job in South Florida with decent pay and great benefits, this is the place for you.

There is a wide variety of positions here, given the scope of the university. In my particular role, it felt less about the work and more about simply being a proud member of the team I was a part of, which was not what I was after. But I know many would be content with this concept of a more presential job, where just being an active and loyal member of machine suffices. 

Being a recent graduate, it was intimidating working in an environment where the majority of people have been there for 10+ years and show up daily to mostly just chat with their coworkers and, essentially, work-family. This can sound nice and warm, but it can also be a social nightmare if you're just looking to do your job and get through the working week so you can live your life.

I felt a lot of pressure to conform to certain ideals and just blend in with everybody else. There was also little effort done on behalf of my supervisors to help me acclimate to this environment and this deeply affected how I was treated at work, as I felt target to a lot of unnecessary judgment for superficial reasons and there were a lot of high-school-like dynamics among certain coworkers, which added a lot of stress to my job. There were many days when I did not feel welcome in my own work environment and no one ever bothered to do anything about it. 

If you're more individualistic and trying to climb the corporate ladder or just work your way out of Miami, this may not be the place for you, as FIU is all about embracing what makes Miami special, as opposed to other major cities. Essentially, working at FIU is all about promoting its image and fostering a sense of community, not pushing you toward becoming the best employee/individual you can be. If you genuinely believe in the institution and its mission, this will be perfect for you.  

If you're looking to get your career started in a specific field, this may be a great launching pad to try out many things, but the culture is a bit too comfortable and conformist to really push one beyond administrative work, which can get tedious after a while if there is no room for advancement. Most things are done a certain way because that's just how they've always been done.

FIU wants you to be a part of their family forever and ever. This is ultimately why I left my position at FIU. Though I was proud to have accomplished many great things within my time there and was deeply fond of a couple of my colleagues there, I came here to work and broaden my horizons beyond South Florida. There was simply not enough room for advancement here or a culture that encouraged that. 

I also didn't like feeling like my work was not really what mattered in how I was perceived within my role, but rather how much school spirit I could perform on any given day, which is what I noticed was regularly applauded, despite performance. And though I admired its sense of community and "family," I didn't 100% identify with the culture and found myself feeling like I could not be the best at my job and be true to myself and my goals at the same time.

This is definitely a great environment for older professionals looking to settle down in Miami and work for a great place with top-notch benefits, like having a clinic on campus and many paid vacation days. Employees are also offered tuition waivers so they can advance their education. Professional development, which is required at FIU, is a great way to get to know other employees and take part in interesting courses, like meditation sessions and useful presentations.

Overall, I would recommend FIU to anyone as one of the greatest places to work for in South Florida and deeply value the time I got to spend there as a professional, despite my many issues with it.

Throughout my academic journey, I have had the privilege of learning from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professors and researchers in my field of study. Their expertise and dedication to their respective disciplines have greatly influenced my learning and inspired me to delve deeper into my subjects of interest.

One of the key aspects that have contributed to my growth as a student is the wealth of knowledge that my professors possess. They have dedicated their lives to research and teaching, and their passion for their subjects is evident in every lecture they deliver. Their expertise extends beyond the confines of textbooks, as they bring real-world experiences and practical examples into the classroom. The insights and perspectives they share have broadened my understanding and allowed me to see the practical applications of the concepts I learn.

Moreover, my professors have encouraged me to question the existing knowledge and think critically about the subject matter. They have challenged my preconceived notions and pushed me to explore beyond the surface level of information. By fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and open discussion, they have taught me the importance of seeking different perspectives and considering multiple viewpoints. This has not only improved my analytical skills but also broadened my understanding of complex issues.

In addition to my professors, I have also had the opportunity to interact with other researchers who have contributed significantly to their respective fields. Attending conferences and seminars has exposed me to the cutting-edge research being conducted worldwide. These interactions have not only allowed me to learn about the latest advancements but have also provided me with the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and potential mentors.

The knowledge and insights I have gained from my professors and other researchers have not been limited to the academic realm. They have also provided me with valuable advice and guidance regarding career choices and opportunities. Their industry connections and personal experiences have given me a realistic understanding of the challenges and rewards associated with my chosen field. Their mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations and setting me on the path towards success.

Furthermore, my professors and researchers have instilled in me a sense of intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love for learning. They have shown me that education extends far beyond the confines of the classroom and that the pursuit of knowledge is a never-ending journey. They have taught me the importance of staying updated with the latest research and developments in my field and have encouraged me to engage in independent study and research projects.

In conclusion, the knowledge and guidance I have received from my professors and other researchers have been invaluable in shaping my academic and personal growth. Their expertise, dedication, and passion have inspired me to strive for excellence and have provided me with the tools necessary to succeed in my chosen field. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such accomplished individuals and will carry the lessons I have learned with me throughout my life and career.

In this program, we student interns learned life skills and professional abilities in order to progress further in life and be proactive in the working field.
The first thing I learned in the program was how to professionally shake someone’s hand in the workplace.
The second item I learned in the program was how to build up my resume into something great and develop my professional writing skills
The third tool I learned in the program was how to make S.M.A.R.T. GOALS for the senior year and the summer
S.M.A.R.T. goals stand for Specific-Measurable-Attainable-Realistic-Timely goals
The mission of the Office of Engagement is building relationships and connections between Florida International University and the community.
Office of Engagement is a resource for students, staff, and faculty whose research and organizations are working to forge strategic relationships within our community.
My internship is founded on marketing for Florida International University
Answering phone calls
Taking messages for my superiors and colleagues
Completing assignments and or projects that my coworkers and or supervisors assign me
Transferring phone calls to my fellow workers
Carrying out errands that are given to me
Knowledge of Careers somewhat prepare me for this internship
My coworkers gave me projects to keep me busy and active in the workplace
Projects such as creating table tents for conference/meeting that were occurring later in the day 
Also making a schedule excel spreadsheets for upcoming career fairs in Florida
I was taught that I must always update resume for any new experience and or occupation I gain later on
It was put into my mind that my reputation online is as pivotal as my reputation in the working world
I uncover that someone shouldn’t let their emotions control their actions and what they say in the workplace, generally, don’t let your feelings conquer your decisions in life
As I previously stated, my internship site is called Office of Engagement, and their aim is to discover and form alliances with society

Working at FIU as an Assistant Professor was a mixed experience. A typical day involved teaching, researching, mentoring students, writing proposals, and collaborating with colleagues across different labs. I learned how to manage multiple responsibilities under pressure and how to stay productive in an environment with limited support.

The main issue is the lack of job security and transparency. Management often gives unclear or delayed communication regarding contract renewals or long-term opportunities, even when you meet or exceed expectations in research, grants, collaboration, and service. This uncertainty creates ongoing stress and makes it difficult to plan your career or personal life.

The workplace culture varies by department, but in my case it felt disconnected, with little recognition for the work being done by early-career faculty. Despite strong performance, there is no clear path for growth, and efforts are often overlooked. The hardest part of the job was the constant instability and the absence of a long-term vision for faculty development.

The most enjoyable part was working with students, engaging in meaningful research projects, and collaborating with supportive colleagues. However, these positives do not compensate for the overall lack of stability and direction. FIU could be a much better place to work if leadership invested in clearer communication and provided real opportunities for early-career faculty to grow within the institution.


Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5pm, put in my hour on a computer database. Made sure to say Good morning to all my co-workers and supervisors etc. mail man came in every morning it was usual for him to hand me everything from envelopes to packages and boxes. Some days we're tedious others quiet and calm and other days we're hectic and full of multitasking such as students and staff coming up to ask me questions and so forth and at the same time trying to organize the conference room for an event or a meeting when all of a sudden I would be called by my supervisor and had to walk across the campus to deliver an urgent envelope with important documents that had to be signed then to get back in my chair to type up letters, seal them and sent them out then document, make copies and receive other orders from other staff that had to be done. Usually, lunch was at 1 o' clock for 30 minutes then back to my desk, at 1:30 was the calm of the storm when all the others went to lunch and left me in charge, usually this is the time when students would come and drop off documents or ask questions/for help. After, everyone else came back it was the morning rush all over again and usually at 4:30 a few minutes before 5pm, I'd be bombarded with work that I would usually handle carefully yet very very attentively and focused so that I'd be done by 5pm sometimes I'd go over 15mins no more. I also had to make sure all doors were lock and then hand back all keys to my supervisor and you could call it a done day. Attire was semi-casual or professional usually I stuck to professional since my supervisors did the same I had to keep it looking uniformed.

A typical day at work involved conducting experiments, analyzing data, and writing reports. The nature of the research work meant that every day was different, and there was always something new to learn. This made the work interesting and engaging.

During my time as a Graduate Research Assistant at FIU, I learned several valuable skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Additionally, I learned how to collaborate with others and work effectively in a team setting.

The management at FIU was supportive and provided guidance when needed. My supervisor was knowledgeable and approachable, which made it easy for me to ask questions and seek clarification.

The workplace culture at FIU was collaborative and diverse. I had the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures, which enriched my experience and broadened my perspective.

The hardest part of the job was managing time effectively, as there were often multiple tasks to be completed simultaneously. However, this also provided an opportunity to develop time-management skills and prioritize tasks effectively.

The most enjoyable part of the job was seeing the results of our research and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in our field. It was rewarding to know that our work had the potential to make a positive impact on society.

Overall, working as a Graduate Research Assistant at Florida International University was a valuable and rewarding experience. I would recommend this position to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in research or academia.

The ebbs and flows of the college schedule coincide with the amount of work you're assigned.  The summer months tend to be slower simply for the lack of student population on campus, which drives the workload.   However, when the new semester starts, it's non-stop.  The "total compensation package" is good in comparison to the private sector, but lacks frills unless you're in an upper Management/Directorial position.  The university on the whole treats their employees with courtesy and respect, and, you get huge breaks on free or reduced continuing education.  However, advancement is nearly impossible, and most times non-existent. Most departments within the campus seem to be very cohesive, with the exception of a few.  Recent changes to state salary adjustments are still considered underpaid, particularly with someone who has 20 plus years experience in the field they work in.  Don't consider building your personal wealth too quickly.  They tend to pay below the private industry averages by about 25%, but total compensation package, which includes insurance and retirement is higher than most private businesses. Processes tend to be far slower than the private sector, and favoritism is definitely evident within the workplace.  FIU was surprisingly and recently awarded as one of Forbes 2016 Best Places to Work.

Florida International University is a great university to work for as a student, however it is is definitely not a place where a job is guaranteed after your graduation. You can work a student position for years and still not have the certainty that you could land a job in the office you worked for for years, this is mainly due to the toxic hiring practices that FIU's HR practices. There are a lot of contradicting expectations in some job descriptions and im an honest firm believer that 65% of job postings in their career websites are just placeholders so the candidate that has already been chosen by the department submits the proper paperwork. A lot of jobs here at FIU are obtained through knowing someone in a high position or someone who can recommend you at the current workplace. Other than that, you will find yourself spending weeks and months being rejected over and over again despite being qualified or even over-qualified for a position. It is often very stressful. However, if you do end up getting a full-time position at this university, the benefits are immeasurable. Tuition assistance, competitive healthcare plans, and steady and stable job certainty. 

A day in the life of an Outreach Specialist is an unpredictable, emotionally- rewarding, and at times frustrating employment opportunity. I have encountered numerous situations that have caused me to be a more focused, energetic, and responsible individual both in and out of the workplace.
 I have developed a love for public speaking and seek opportunities to improve and enhance my abilities. I have overcome many personal setbacks and challenges due to the fact that at work, I am encouraged to think creatively when searching for solutions to problems. I am encouraged to never pose a problem without some type of solution; Naturally I shy away from conflict but within this position, I have learned how to deal appropriately and effectively with conflict. I have become more proactive in being a self starter as I learned quickly that my name represents me first and that I  always want to have a good name; one that is associated with professionalism, diligence, and high moral character.
I enjoy working with professionals that look like me- physically and who encourage the pursuit of higher education.

Nice People in General. Serving a noble purpose adds to self satisfaction. Diverse environment to explore different opportunities and grow your talent. But Even at lower levels,  advancement beyond your pigeon hole is difficult, you have to really excel and strive to get noticed. At higher levels, social engineering is evident and tacitly acknowledged (i.e the president wants more women directors). Long term careers ARE well rewarded, but it takes resilience and humility to survive the churn as high profile credential builders come and go with their better ideas, leaving their mark and chaos in their wake.  Funded by the public trough, change for the sake of change,  is a routine argument to justify projects that are essentially egocentric career enhancement opportunities.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Program coordinator 18 salaries reported	$43,722 per year
Graduate researcher 7 salaries reported	$28,786 per year
Research assistant 4 salaries reported	$17.50 per hour
Administrative services 12 salaries reported	$47,850 per year
Program manager 9 salaries reported	$58,611 per year

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