Many of us expect to follow linear career paths. However, sometimes we cannot predict our growth and change, leading us to reevaluate our career trajectory. Course corrections can alter our linear paths and create parallel, perpendicular, or even elliptical career paths. In this talk, I will discuss the surprising twists and turns one may encounter when navigating their professional growth.
Bio: Dr. Ellie Hadjiyska Schmelzer ’13 was a Senior Scientific Project Architect at PreScouter, specializing in Aerospace and Defense, currently transitioning to Collins Aerospace. In May 2023, Ellie was voted President of the Yale Club of New Haven. She spent five years at Yale University as a postdoc in Astrophysics and an Associate Director at the Office of Career Strategy. While at Yale, Dr. Schmelzer was appointed a Branford College Fellow and a Career Mentor at the Career Network for Student scientists and Postdocs at Yale (CNSPY). Currently, in addition to presiding over the Yale Club of New Haven, Dr. Schmelzer serves on the Board of the Yale Club of Hartford. Ellie is a lifelong dedicated mentor to undergraduate, graduate students, and postdocs.
Prior to Yale, Dr. Schmelzer resided in California, which was also her landing destination as an immigrant from Bulgaria. There, she worked as a Senior Systems Engineer at Raytheon during both her undergraduate and graduate studies as well as a tutor in math, physics, and chemistry. Ellie holds a B.S. and a PhD in Physics. Her postdoctoral research focused on Extragalactic Black Hole Tidal Disruption Events. In her spare time, Ellie enjoys opera, tennis, and photography as well as exceptional dining venues and traveling to exotic destinations.
Host: Victoria Misenti