- June 2019
Office Associate
MSU Extension Service
Coastal Plain Branch
Experiment Station
Years in position: 8
Years at MSU: 13
Jenna Mosley handles a variety of tasks, such as payroll, leave, accounts payable, account reconciliation, and property control as her station’s office associate.
She sees her role at the Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station as helping colleagues perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. This allows the office to function smoothly and fulfill its purpose.
“My favorite aspect of my job is the flexibility and variety of tasks. I also love the small office environment and beautiful view from my window,” Jenna said.
After working at CPBES full-time for four years, she transferred to MSU-Meridian shortly after she got married. Fast forward another 4 years and she found herself transferring back to the experiment station in a part-time capacity.
“For several reasons, my position at CPBES had never been filled on a full-time basis,” she said. “As I returned to my old office, I returned to my handwriting and notes still scattered about the office. It was truly a sweet moment of walking back in time.”
Initially, Jenna did not go to college with this career in mind. However, she said that she has loved every minute of it, and it has allowed her to grow in many ways. She is particularly thankful for the friends she has made over the years.
Jenna advises that patience, organization, computer and communication skills, and the ability to think for oneself are great skills for anyone wanting to become an office associate.
“Every position plays a part, no matter its position on the organizational chart,” Jenna said.
She first began working at Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station as a student worker when she was 18 and newly enrolled at the local community college.
“This position allows me to spend more time with my three children and has absolutely been a God-send,” she said. “I’m so grateful to Mississippi State University and the opportunities it has afforded me as I continue to raise and homeschool my children.”