Michael Krahel

1. Tell us about your current position and what you do.

I am an Administrative Analyst at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). My job primarily involves creating training materials for DEP employees, which may include videos, text-based materials, and in-person workshops. I also assess departmental training needs and assist in creating programs to address employees’ skill gaps.

2. What are some past positions you have held?

Most recently, I was a high school teacher in Bayonne, New Jersey for two years. Before that, I worked for a policy research company, tutored, and, when time allowed, did some professional stage management work.

3. Were there any particular TCNJ courses/internships/experiences that helped jump start your career?

There weren’t any particular courses/experiences at TCNJ that jumpstarted me in terms of getting this job. But, now that I’m here, I find that I’m always the one in the office to proofread emails, edit important documents, answer questions about commonly misused words – in other words, all the things I learned as an English major, from basic grammar to structuring longer pieces, have helped me do well in my position.

4. What are your favorite memories of your time at TCNJ?

The hours – the countless hours – that I spent in Kendall Hall, putting on plays, are easily my favorite memories at TCNJ.

5. Do you have any advice for current TCNJ students trying to break into your field?

Be persistent, and be patient. State government jobs are tough to get, but your resume DOES stay in the state’s hiring files. In fact, my current position isn’t even the one for which I originally applied. I can’t remember what I did apply for, but about six months after I sent in my application, I got a call asking me to interview for a position in the training department, which I didn’t even know existed. They had seen that I was a teacher and thought I would be a good fit. And, in addition to being persistent and patient, be open to new opportunities – English majors’ skills are sorely needed in so many areas of any government agency, and with an open mind, you never know where your abilities can take you.