As a professional, interdisciplinary school that melds theory with practice, the Schar School of Policy and Government is unique among policy and international affairs schools for its comprehensive career and student development services. One of the behind-the-scenes professionals who supports the career development and success of Schar School graduate students is Jess Yon.
Yon is the Graduate Student Services Coordinator, supporting the student services team for both master’s and PhD students; she also plans student-focused professional development and networking events, coordinates general communications for Schar School Student Services through listservs and e-mails, and generates website content to support the Student Services teams. Yon also maintains graduate student files and ensures that everything is in order.
Yon attended the University of Virginia and earned a master’s degree in higher education. While in school, Yon worked as a graduate assistant for the LGBTQ unit. She also worked at Keene State College in New Hampshire in undergraduate residence life.
Yon says that in her current position, she especially enjoys supporting graduate students, who typically have a more defined vision for their life when compared to that of undergraduate students. “[Graduate students] know their values and what they want their life to look like, so I find it rewarding to support them as they achieve their goals,” she said.
What excites Yon about the work she does?
“I am glad to be part of a caring, collaborative team,” she said. “I enjoy working with a variety of branches within the Schar School to make things happen. I appreciate the freedom I have in working on projects for the school, while my supervisors and coworkers also guide and support me.
“I genuinely believe in the Schar School’s mission to advance the public good, and I’m glad to do my small part in supporting these programs,” she said.
“Graduate students need a space where they feel like they know their colleagues, where they are not just showing up for class and then leaving right after. I hope to help build that connection they have to the campus.”
Yon hopes to create and coordinate opportunities that enable students to challenge their ideas, expand their networks, and develop as leaders in both their fields and their communities.