Sarah Caravalho Khan

Cal Poly - B.A. English, 1998

Other degrees/certificates:

University of San Francisco - M.A. Organization & Leadership 

Current city/state:

Saratoga, CA

Employer:

West Valley-Mission Community College District

Professional Website:

www.wvm.edu

Job Title:

Director of Human Resources

How Long in Current Position:

Since September 2010

Brief description of position duties/responsibilities:

Build a higher engagement and retention organization, including development and implementation of employee engagement tools and programs to develop and retain talent, and build a succession pipeline within the district.

What specific qualities/abilities, skills are necessary for this position:

Strong facilitation skills, people and program management skills. Ability to build and manage strong relationships, think strategically and broadly.

While at Cal Poly, what resources did you take advantage of that have helped you in your current position:

Take advantage of any business writing classes you can. I was only able to take one, but that class really made an impact on my ability to write in a business environment. Even if you don’t end up going into business, it will help you write proposals, grants, and other important documents. I find now that so many college graduates (recent and not-so-recent) from good schools have problems putting documents together that are cohesive and make a good argument. Good business writing skills will help you, no matter what you end up doing. 

What advice would you give to someone interested in your profession?

Take advantage of as many career-related resources as you can to build your image - network and build relationships, remember that your next job lead could come from anyone or anywhere - be open!

Is there anything you'd like to personally add about how you found your way to your current career since graduating from Cal Poly as an English major?  Any memorable epiphanies that marked major turning points on which path you chose?

After graduating, I went to work at a large corporation. During that time, I experienced many things which in many ways turned me away from corporate life. Now, after experiencing a very non-corporate environment, I realize it's more about the values of the organization that make or break your experience - there are great (and terrible) role models everywhere.

Contact:

sarah.khan@wvm.edu