In this episode of Career Conversations, host Nidhi Kumar, '21 and guest Nayoung Miller Vaughn discuss the importance of effective negotiation and self-advocacy in the professional world. They explore the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups during salary negotiations and emphasize the need for practice and building supportive relationships. Key strategies include understanding market rates, preparing for negotiations, and recognizing shared struggles among professionals. The conversation highlights the significance of transparency in promotion processes and the role of mentors in empowering individuals. Overall, the episode encourages ongoing learning and connection within the professional community.

Nayoung Miller Won is a strategic life & career coach living in Seattle, Washington in the United States. While she currently works in tech as a program manager, her past includes working as a career advisor and admissions committee member at higher education institutions (University of Washington, National University of Singapore, UPenn Wharton School). She started her career at Deloitte’s Detroit office and most recently worked as a Customer Success Manager at Amazon and Karat. She has pivoted careers multiple times since graduating from college, and is a marketer and educator by training (B.B.A University of Michigan, M.S.Ed. University of Pennsylvania).

A globetrotter at heart, she has lived and worked in many parts of the world including Seattle, Singapore, Korea, Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A few years ago, Nayoung founded thekokki.com to formalize her passion project driven by her faith. In her spare time you’ll find her golfing at a local course, exploring cities on a bike or supporting small businesses on Yelp.

Nidhi Kumar, '21 is a proud University of Washington School of Law alum, holding a Master in Jurisprudence earned in 2021. She also holds a B.A. in Political Science—Pre-Law and Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. Currently, Nidhi is a J.D. Candidate at Seattle University School of Law, balancing her studies in the evening program with full-time work as a Law Clerk at Simmons Sweeney Freimund Smith Tardif PLLC. Dedicated to giving back, she actively contributes to the UW community as a member of the UWAA GOLD Council, a mentor through the Huskies@Work Program, a nominating committee member of the UWAA Board of Trustees, and as a District Dawg in the 43rd Legislative District.

S4Ep2: Job compensation and terms: Negotiation strategies to help you be your own best advocate

Career Conversations

S4Ep2: Job compensation and terms: Negotiation strategies to help you be your own best advocate