NJIT Hires Newark Homegrown Talent
NJIT has always been part of the fabric of Newark since it was established more than a century ago — and the ties between the two have never been stronger. In demonstrating its commitment to the city, the university became an integral partner in the comprehensive economic development strategy, “Newark 2020: Hire, Buy, Live Local,” a key component of which calls for employing more local residents. With a keen recognition of the value of hiring local, NJIT has taken on the charge to bring more of Newark’s homegrown talent on board.
Launching a “Hire Local” initiative, NJIT has seamlessly woven into its talent acquisition process equitable practices seeking qualified local residents to fill positions throughout the campus community. The university’s Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Newark Alliance, conducts outreach and monitors Newark-based applicants throughout the hiring process.
The results have been impressive, with NJIT increasing its hiring of Newark residents by 35% from June 2018 to June 2019. By this past June, the university had also hired 120 Newark residents overall since becoming a Newark 2020 partner.
The university’s Department of Public Safety has realized the greatest success in “Hire Local,” following an expanded local recruitment effort. In its last recruitment cycle, the department received 684 online applications, a significant jump from the prior pool that was approximately a third of the size.
Sergeant Josh Sanders, who himself rose through the ranks at NJIT and knows the great career opportunities afforded by the university, heads Public Safety’s Recruitment Division, created in 2016. In his search for local applicants, he has attended numerous Newark Alliance recruitment events and has also reached out to many Newark-based organizations, including the Newark Bronze Shields, the African-American police officers association within the Newark Police Department.
“There are so many great people in this city. We want to let them know what NJIT has to offer,” remarked Sanders, who looks for personality, reliability and an understanding of and appreciation for diversity in candidates for Public Safety positions. “We allow them to grow and succeed. They may sometimes have opportunities elsewhere, but they ultimately want to be at NJIT and enjoy the family-like atmosphere and office camaraderie while doing important work.”
Shakiyla Brown and Al-tariq Mosley are two of the many Newark residents who are now NJIT employees in the Department of Public Safety through “Hire Local.” “I’ve never met a person who works so hard and is so service-oriented,” Sanders noted about Brown. Of Mosley, he said, “He far exceeds the ‘observe and report’ aspect. He’s ready to become a mentor and a leader.”
Here, Brown and Mosley share their stories and attest to the material impact of working at NJIT — and in their home city.
Shakiyla Brown: From Federal Agency to NJIT’s Police Force
Shakiyla Brown was born and raised in Newark and loves the city, which is why she is excited to give back to it as a police officer. Sworn in by NJIT’s Department of Public Safety, Brown has since graduated from the Essex County Police Academy and is now in field training with the department. It was while she was waiting for certification to be a police officer with the U.S. Postal Service that she was recruited by NJIT. After passing the required New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) written exam at NJIT early this year, she was interviewed by a panel of state chiefs and the NJIT Command Staff, and then hired by the university, which coordinated her academy training.
“It is so important for employers to hire Newark residents. We already know the city and what it needs to thrive,” said the mother of two. “When businesses hire within the local community, it shows that they are invested in the growth of our residents professionally and economically.
“The residents also want to see a representation of themselves in our local law enforcement,” added Brown, who majored in psychology with a minor in criminology at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. “I plan to show my peers that we do not have to leave Newark to find rewarding and meaningful careers.”
She notes the atmosphere at NJIT was very welcoming throughout her on-site preliminary training, and that Public Safety sergeants made her transition into the police academy very smooth. They also offered her a lot of valuable advice, including being proactive in meeting community members while keeping the neighborhood safe. (Public Safety’s motto is “It is important for everyone to meet us before they need us.”) She is pleased to join the Public Safety team full time, and be able to work close to home where she can be more accessible to her family.
“Newark is full of innovators who want nothing more than to breathe life into our community,” she remarked of the city. “The ‘Gateway to Newark’ mural along McCarter Highway is a perfect example of the pride, dreams, genius and resilience that dwells in the hearts of those who call this place home.”
Al-tariq Mosley: On a Career Trajectory to Keep People Safe
Al-tariq Mosley always envisioned himself helping the Newark community, and he is well on his way to fully realizing this dream. Mosley has been a public safety officer in the Department of Public Safety at NJIT since May 2018 and is awaiting entry into the Essex County Police Academy, after passing the NJSACOP written exam to become a police officer and interviewing with and receiving recommendations from a panel of state chiefs and the NJIT Command Staff.
“Although I am not yet a police officer, NJIT has allowed me to provide safety and security to the university community and the surrounding area,” said Mosley. “Working in the city where I grew up and love allows me to interact with my community on another level.
“Newark means everything to me, because I was born and raised here,” he added. “I have a lot of fond memories growing up. Newark provided me with stability, employment, education and a place I can call home.”
As an NJIT public safety officer, Mosley has demonstrated leadership ability and guided his peers while successfully executing his duties, which include patrolling, security checks and security awareness.
The married father of three has always followed advice he received a long time ago, to treat everyone with respect and carry himself with integrity. Having experienced the joy of working in his home city, he offers this advice to area businesses: “When you employ a Newark resident, you are getting an individual who cares for and has pride in his community.”
