Meet Eric Syty

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Eric Syty is an administrative support associate in the Office of International Services (OIS), a unit of the Office of Global Engagement. In his role, Syty is the first point of contact at the front desk, juggling the phones, email and high volume of foot traffic, serving over 4,000 international students as well as administratively supporting the 18 OIS staff and student workers. For his welcoming spirit, professional service, and care serving as the face of the office, Syty was recently nominated for a Provost’s Unit Awards for Excellence on March 26.

Read below to learn more:

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am originally from Buffalo, NY, and I have a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Communications (Saint Francis University), and a master’s in Higher Education Administration (University of Akron). Previously, I worked in a mortgage department, and held two graduate assistantships in athletics during my master’s degree.

How long have you been with NC State and the Office of Global Engagement?

I have been with Global Engagement and OIS between two and two and a half years now.

Tell us what you do in a few sentences.

I am on the front lines of OIS. I interact and assist everyone who comes into, calls or emails the office. Additionally I help keep our staff organized and help to funnel and disperse documents from students that need to be processed. Most importantly, I help keep the office smiling through jokes and puns.

What’s your favorite thing about your work?

Like most, I really enjoy the interaction with students, individuals and families from all over the world. I also enjoy the chaotic challenge that is my position. There are times where the phone will ring back to back, while I have three people in the office staring me down for pick up or drop off, and our email inbox has 70 emails. For me it is intriguing to see how far I can stretch my ability to remain calm and organized in stressful situations.

Tell us one thing we might be surprised to learn about you.

I am tall… just kidding; I think the world knows that. I am actually one of three kids in my family to have both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree and to play a Division I sport in college.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife, playing just about any and all sports, hiking, and watching movies or shows about food (Netflix has a lot of great ones out like “Chef’s Table”).

What’s one thing on your desk you brought from home?

Because my desk is the front desk of OIS, I do not have anything “from home,” but I do have a fortune taped to my monitor that says “attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference.” This is my little reminder to stay positive, stay happy and treat others as I would want to be treated.

What’s your favorite travel destination?

I have not done a ton of traveling recently, but I am happiest in the mountains or any where with a view. I do also love traveling home to my wife at the end of the day.