Emily Kelley
What inspired you to apply for a position at HudsonAlpha?
My background is in nonprofit events and fundraising. I wanted to stay in the nonprofit industry but do something a little bit different. HudsonAlpha is set up differently than a traditional nonprofit, and working in Economic Development allows me to apply my expertise in a different arena.
What does your job consist of?
I support the economic development team in two ways, with both event and administrative support. Our team works to take the technology and the science that’s being developed on campus out to the community. Additionally, we support the resident associate companies and support the growth biotech and life sciences across the region.
What set you on your career path?
When I started my career, I knew I wanted to focus on events. I’ve always loved planning events and that passion led me, a bit by chance, into the nonprofit industry. I began my career at a business-to-business networking organization that connected female-owned companies with supplier diversity programs and contract opportunities. There I kind of fell in love with the nonprofit industry, the collaborative spirit and the nature of the work. That led me to where I am now.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I think it’s fascinating to see the research that’s being done and the scientific and technological advancements coming out of the brilliant minds on the HudsonAlpha campus. It’s very inspiring. I also love being part of the delivery. The science isn’t just sitting there. We’re actively taking what we know and have learned out into the world to better people’s lives.
What makes HudsonAlpha unique?
The whole organization is set up in a way to facilitate collaboration. Even the campus is set up intentionally so that you might run into somebody in the elevator and strike up a conversation and discover you’re working on similar projects and learn from each other. I think the focus on collaboration and the mindset that we are better together than we are apart is so evident in all that we do.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in their career?
There’s no such thing as a perfect job or company. You’re going to make mistakes and encounter hurdles along the way. If you can figure out what skills you are passionate about and be open minded, you can find a job that you love. Try different things, think outside the box and the skills you learn today can take you in directions you never imagined.
To learn more about career opportunities at HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org/career.