Leaning into success at MSU

Faith Peterson’s time at MSU is the definition of longevity. She retired in April as a faculty honorifics coordinator with Health Sciences after “an outstanding career at MSU” that has spanned four decades. Here, she shares some hard-earned pearls of work wisdom for up-and-coming Spartan employees.

What advice would you give to new employees starting their careers at MSU?

Take advantage of your professional development funds and take classes offered by HR! I have taken a few email classes and found them extremely worthwhile. I think everyone should attend one of his workshops. Also, Lisa Laughman in the Employee Assistance Program offers workshops on several topics. She is so helpful with both our work and personal lives.

Also, change positions and grow at MSU. I attribute my growth and longevity to continuing to tackle new challenges, grow in different areas and meet new people.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for long-term success at MSU?

Be proactive about taking on assignments and finding a better way to organize or make a process more efficient. Often, I learned something new in one position that helped me to have the skills I needed to get the next position. I’ve repeated the process of learning new things to take me to another level over and over.

How do you maintain a positive attitude and motivation, even during challenging times at work?

I’ve been able to surround myself with positive, appreciative people who were able to keep me afloat during challenging times. Even when an individual or situation was difficult, I could turn to my support group (which I had to reestablish as I moved to various offices around campus). I also kept a “kudos” file. When someone would send an email expressing appreciation, I copied it to the file! It’s very heartwarming to look through those comments collected over many years.

What is your favorite aspect of the Spartan community, and how has it contributed to your success?

People and how much the university has been a part of my life. I was married in the Alumni Memorial Chapel, brought my girls here to get ice cream and feed the ducks on the Red Cedar River when they were little, and I watched both girls graduate from Michigan State. Some of my best friends are people I have met here. Michigan State has provided more than just a job for me and leaning into that has contributed to my success.