Name: Jose Santos
Title: Associate Director
Department: Northwestern Career Advancement
Where are you from? I was born in the Philippines and my family immigrated to the U.S. (New Jersey) when I was in 7th grade.
What brought you to Student Affairs? Growing up I always strived to improve people and the community. In Student Affairs, I get that opportunity everyday by engaging with students in their professional development process and hopefully, see what they learned from me in order to become positive contributors to the community they are involved in.
How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 13
What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? I get the opportunity to work with many individuals: students, staff, employers, and faculty. As I am getting more seasoned in my career, I’ve become more passionate about helping people grow and I get that opportunity by being a part of the Professional Development Committee within the Division of Student Affairs.
What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Be proactive about engaging with people. If you see yourself in a particular area of Student Affairs, take the time to find a mentor and soak up the information that is provided to you. Take the time to assess who you are and do not forget your steps in getting where you are. Know your own narrative so that one day you can inspire others with it.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? I think the circumstance that I grew up with has influenced my career. I came from an under-resourced community and I learned to be resourceful and really fight in order to improve my family’s well-being. Now that I have my own family, they serve as my greatest influence because I want to make sure I can provide them with a better life.
What inspires you? My family.
What can’t you live without? My family.
How do you like to spend your free time? Checking out global cuisines, watching football, and hanging out with my loved ones.
What’s your favorite spot on campus? Go through the lighthouse lawn (Central & Sheridan) on the edge of campus. There is a bench at the back (in between the lighthouse and beach access) and it oversees the lake.
Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.