by Wes Martin
The two newest additions to the Richmond Law staff have one thing in common: their previous place of employment. The newest members of staff, Mary Beth Poma and Kim Wiseman, join us from the College of William & Mary, where they each worked in their respective fields. Excited about the opportunities that awaited them at T.C. Williams, each joined the staff four weeks ago and have been taking a very active role in their new surroundings.
Mary Beth Poma decided to make a career in the student services field while serving as an RA at James Madison University. Ms. Poma's experience as a Senior Resident in a dorm gave her invaluable insight to the school's administration and its interaction with students. This interaction interested Ms. Poma and led her to earn a Masters in Education. Upon receiving her degree, Ms. Poma worked in Atlanta, Huntington, WV, and Williamsburg before settling in Richmond, where she resides with her family.
Married to an attorney, Ms. Poma well knows the process involved in going to law school, networking, seeking summer employment, and eventually settling on a first job. It is her experience with this process that has given her valuable insight and helped shape her outlook on the job search.
"The process begins from entry into law school, which is important. How students utilize their breaks, how they create a network of people is crucial," Ms. Poma emphasized. "An effort that starts early and continues throughout law school will pay off in the end."
Ms. Poma approaches Career Services in a very flexible manner. She hopes to work with each student to identify the student's contacts, opportunities, and resources in order to build a network for that student. Ms. Poma describes the job search process as one that evolves with each student progressing toward finding the right fit once law school is over. Accordingly, Ms. Poma expressed one wish with regard to her new job.
"I want to meet and work with each student individually. I have an open door policy to all students at all levels. I hope that each student will not be hesitant to stop by and allow the office to serve them better by helping them customize their job search."
The other new addition to the law school staff, Kim Wiseman, joins the Computer Services staff after working with the Development Office at William & Mary. Ms. Wiseman worked with a smaller operation there, but looks forward to the challenge of helping 500 students become technologically proficient.
A resident of New Kent County, where she resides with her family, Ms. Wiseman began in the Computer Information and Technology field due to her experience with the first laptops ever made, which were used at William & Mary. While the other employees used word processors, Ms. Wiseman developed a working knowledge of WordPerfect and other software. "Mostly through trial and error," she says. Her curiosity after this initial exposure to computers only grew, blossoming into a career in the computer field.
Attracted by Richmond's campus, staff, and leading computer network, Ms. Wiseman decided to join the T.C. Williams staff. As a Computer Services director, Ms. Wiseman will be working to evaluate and improve the Help Desk, train student assistants and students in software, provide support to the lab and carrels, and coordinate the work of the Law School computer staff with that of the main University's staff in Jepson Hall. She hopes to find new ideas for the computer services staff to analyze and implement at T.C. Williams.
When asked what she thought students could do to better their experience with their computers, Ms. Wiseman emphasized the need to keep computers properly maintained, to take the initiative to seek help when trouble arises, and to be careful with the equipment.
With respect to working with students, Ms. Wiseman emphasized that she hopes to receive student suggestions, that students will stay in constant contact with her regarding their computer use, and that students with an interest in computers will get involved in the Library subcommittee for technology.
As for what to look for in the near future, Ms. Wiseman added, "Workshops with the new students in the fall, as well as software training and help for those already in school here."
My thanks to Ms. Poma and Ms. Wiseman for taking time out of their day to discuss their start here at T.C. Williams. Take the time to drop by and get to know them as they begin their work with our staff. They look forward to meeting and working with everyone in the months to come.
Author's note: Ms. Wiseman will be available for computer help as early as 7:30 a.m. during exams. She can be reached in her office near the Help Desk. Ms. Poma's office hours are posted, as well as a calendar for appointments. She can be reached every day except Thursday from 8:15 to 2:00 in the Career Services office.
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