Employee Spotlight: Nicholas Simons

What is your current role at Yale University? 

My current role at Yale University, which I began in June of 2022, is as a security officer within Yale Public Safety. I am very happy to be a part of a department that is committed to creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment on our university campus. Since assuming my role in security, I have become actively involved with the Disability Alliance at Yale (DAY) and Future Leaders of Yale (FLY) employee resource groups. However, this is not my first connection being employed by Yale University as I previously worked at the Peabody Museum of Natural History part-time as a museum interpreter under the Science Career Orientation and Readiness Program for Students (Sci.CORPS) when I was a student at the Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School in New Haven. That wonderful opportunity came about through my participation in the Yale University Evolutions after school youth program which focuses on STEM literacy, skill development and college and career preparation for high school students. Additionally, while in high school, I was afforded the incredible experience interning at Dr. Patrick Sweeney’s botany laboratory at the Yale Environmental Science Center where I preserved botany specimens and documented them on the Consortium of Northeastern Herbaria website. Prior to being hired by Yale Public Safety, I participated in the Autism: A World of Possibilities discussion panel, sponsored by DAY, where I discussed my Autism diagnosis, the strengths and challenges associated with my Autism, as well as how I interact with others in my life as an individual on the spectrum. 

What are your main responsibilities? 

My responsibilities as a security officer often are divided between patrols and desk posts. Patrols are more dynamic as you are covering a certain area assigned to you such as the residential colleges or a particular street. During my shift, I am responsible for being a visible presence, providing essential information and assistance to those in need, as well as being vigilant of potential problems so that they can be referred to the appropriate party for resolution. My responsibilities also consist of providing assistance to students and faculty who are locked out of buildings and rooms, as well as those in need of walking escorts to their vehicles, colleges or apartments. When fulfilling my responsibilities on a desk post, I monitor the live security feed of the cameras and verify the IDs of people entering the building. 

What do you like most about your work? 

The aspect of my job that I most enjoy is interacting with everyone on campus. There is such a diverse and inclusive community at Yale representing different backgrounds, strengths, talents and perspectives. I am enriched through these interactions, learning and growing in endless ways. For example, on many days when I meet someone new I am provided with a perspective or idea that further impacts my own development as a person. My fellow security officers, managers and members of the Yale employee resource groups that I have interacted with are extremely helpful in my learning and I am thankful for getting to know each of them. Another aspect of my job I like is working in or around famous buildings like the Sterling School of Law, Branford College, or new colleges like Ben Franklin and Pauli Murray. Yale is such a beautiful and historic campus with amazing architecture. It is enjoyable to work in such an environment. 

How does your job affect your general lifestyle? 

As someone who is an introvert, Yale’s welcoming and supportive environment is allowing me to leave my comfort zone. I get to interact with a variety of people, there are a multitude of ways to become actively involved and through these experiences I am continuing to expand my communication skills. Since I started my position working full time at Yale, I have taken advantage of their employee resource groups, attended sponsored panel discussions and am exploring other employee offerings. I became a member of DAY several years ago and have been fortunate enough to take an active role in several of their initiatives to raise awareness for people with disabilities such as their banner project, as well as an upcoming storytelling event. I also joined FLY and have enjoyed being a part of their professional development sub-committee. In just a short amount of time, Yale has already afforded me a myriad ways to become involved to give back to our community and advance in my skill set. 

How did you begin your career? 

My position as a security officer is the first role I have taken after my graduation from college at the University of New Haven. My interest in the field of criminal justice began at UNH after taking an introductory course as a sophomore. Prior to this course, I was a psychology major before changing it to my minor, an area that continues to be of interest to me. During college, I became a member of the Delta Alpha Pi (DAP) Honor Society for students with disabilities where I became the Secretary in my junior year. In my senior year of study, my position changed to the Vice President of DAP. My involvement in DAP represents another interest area of mine which is working to spread awareness, equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. I was trained as a mentor for the Defeating Roadblocks in Education through Awareness & Mentoring (DREAM) Program, which guided first year disability students to assist them in getting acclimated to the University of New Haven campus. I was also inducted into the Alpha Phi Sigma honor society for high achieving students in criminal justice in their Alpha Tau chapter. In my senior year, I melded some of my interests together when I completed my Capstone on Autism and Policing in an effort to bring greater awareness to the struggles that can ensue when someone with Autism encounters an officer of public safety. In 2021, I completed an internship at the Bridgeport Superior Court as an investigative intern at the Public Defender’s Office. My internship was a multi-faceted experiential learning opportunity where I was able to interact with the staff within the office as well as the attorneys at the court. I completed intake forms for the Public Defender Office, conducted investigations at the behest of the attorneys and head attorney, and shadowed some of the Public Defenders receiving first hand experience with the work that they conduct. College greatly impacted my development and direction as I learned a lot about the criminal justice system and psychology. I am enjoying my position in Yale Public Safety and know that the knowledge and skills that I gain in this position will serve me as I continue to progress in my career. 

What steps would you recommend one take to prepare to enter this field? 

I believe that to work in a position in the field of security it is advantageous to be CPR trained in addition to obtaining the required Connecticut Guard Card, both of which I possess. A high school education with two years of experience in security, law enforcement, military service or emergency response or an Associates degree with experience are typically needed. I do, however, believe that a four year degree in criminal justice can be useful. The added schooling can give an individual pursuing this career path further theoretical knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving practice and enhanced verbal as well as written communication skills. Although, there are similarities between various types of security position placements such as working in corporate, retail or industrial environments, working for Yale Public Safety is distinctive in that you provide security support and service in an academic environment. Our operations, security and safety support in particular requires a friendly courteous demeanor and a willingness to provide service in the form of information and assistance. So, any previous customer service experience would be helpful. 

What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in your job/this field? 

I would say some essential personal attributes of working for Yale Security are being highly responsible, dedicated to providing excellent service and support, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills. As a public safety officer we provide help and general assistance in any way we can to students, faculty and staff including providing directions, lockout assistance, walking escorts, and more. Another skill area needed in the field is proficiency with technology. In this position you use a portable radio, monitor security cameras, use a computer and file reports through a work phone. Other key competencies necessary for the job are keen observational skills, decisive risk and action assessment, as well as an eye for detail. During one’s shift it is essential to pay attention to your surroundings and assess what is taking place to know when something is amiss or potentially a security problem. There are many instances where you must write a report of your findings. To be clear and concise in your writing, as well as include sufficient specificity of who, what, where, when, why and how of an event is very useful in providing a complete and accurate picture of what has taken place. Finally, I believe it is most important to be kind, respectful and courteous in one’s approach when interacting with everyone. It is welcoming to say hello, as well as build trust and rapport through your words and actions. Kindness can go a long way to help put people at ease and to create a friendly environment. 

If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? If not, what would you change? 

As I am still in the beginning of my career journey at Yale, as well as exploring and considering all that Yale has to offer, I don’t feel I can answer this question at this juncture. However, I can say that I continue to be interested in the areas of study I pursued in college, as well as building on my commitment to increase awareness and inclusion for disabilities and other groups through my involvement with the employee resource groups at Yale. Additionally, I am very much looking forward to extending this work beyond Yale this fall as I will be co-mentoring a social group for teenagers on the Autism Spectrum at the Autism Service and Resource Center in Connecticut (ASRC). Becoming actively involved in the Yale community has already helped me to increase my comfortability with larger group social interactions. I would like to continue participating to the fullest extent possible and exploring ways to develop leadership skills, and I look forward to where my career here at Yale will take me. 

What does DAY mean to you? 

My membership in DAY is an opportunity for me to get involved with a group whose mission includes seeking ways to expand awareness and enhance understanding for disability issues, something that both touches me personally and that I am very passionate about. As an individual who was born with Autism, I am fortunate to be involved in a group where I immediately feel a part of something bigger and a sense of belonging and support. Initiatives spearheaded through DAY panel discussions and projects further the cause of inclusivity and awareness. I look forward to getting involved in future endeavors that promote community engagement and disability education, as well as advocacy efforts. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

I think that I would like to end by reiterating some of the closing thoughts I gave during the Autism panel discussion that I participated in at Yale. I believe that we should look beyond labels by not letting it define how we act nor result in categorizing and judging others by them. I don’t know if I only speak for myself, however, when you are Autistic there is this tendency to want to mask who you truly are to conform to the established norm out of fear of ridicule. However, this can result in unhappiness and feelings of worthlessness. I am a strong believer that it is essential that everyone be authentically true to themselves as doing so helps to ensure happiness and overall success. We are each distinct individuals with our own special strengths, talents and gifts. In life we should respect and celebrate each other’s uniqueness and special personality. The world is enriched when you are unapologetically you!