A strong sense of self-determination and making use of all tools that are at his disposal, Crispus Munene has advanced from Custodian to Custodial Foreperson and is an example of how our employees can find a pathway to growth at Rutgers, and more specifically in IP&O. 

Munene joined Rutgers as a custodian in 2012. He became a Housing Maintenance Mechanic in 2017. In 2019, he moved to Facilities as an HVAC Maintenance Mechanic. Prior to applying for the HVAC job, Munene put himself through Middlesex Community College to attain certifications that would prepare him for an HVAC maintenance mechanic’s position. “I focused on getting certificates in the trades,” he said. “I knew that would help me with the HVAC position.” As an HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, he now had to process work orders, and used the resources on IP&O’s myPath Training and Employee Development website to learn how to properly process the work orders. 

“The myPath group has many training courses, booklets, and job aids that any IP&O employee can access to improve his/her skills,” said Jessica Garon, Instructional Course Designer. 

“In 2023 I decided to change the trajectory a little bit and apply for a supervisory position,” said Munene. He used the myPath resume builder to create his resume and then tapped the skills of Garon, who conducted a mock interview to prep Munene for his upcoming interview. In addition, Munene was honing his Kronos skills, not only for his own use in the payroll and timekeeping system (now called UKG Dimensions), but knowing that if
he were to get the supervisory role, he would need a more in-depth knowledge of Kronos. He found that information on the myPath website, as well. “We’ve tried to add all types of helpful training aids and instructional guides to the site for this very scenario,” said Sue Bhuyan, Director, myPath Training and Employee Development.  

“I would like to see more courses, especially for supervisors, and more so, courses with certifications that can be leveraged for career growth and progression,”  Munene, who currently manages 16 custodians, said. 

“We are always looking to expand our offerings,” Garon noted. “I am thrilled that Crispus uses our site, and used us to help him with his interview. Crispus is a great example of someone who has the initiative to learn and it worked out so well for him.”