Working in public administration for Hudson County requires a specific skill set, something Julietta Vogt developed while studying in the Dance program at Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST).
Although her current role as deputy chief of staff to the county executive does not involve dancing, the program at HCST helped Vogt’s creativity blossom, which she now uses to find innovative solutions to challenges that arise. Studying in the Dance program also gave her an optimistic and energetic outlook on life and her approach to public service.
“The education I received at HCST’s dance program has been pivotal in shaping my career in public administration,” said Vogt, a Jersey City native. “I am able to think outside the box when addressing challenges that I am faced with day to day.”
Vogt’s responsibilities with the county include coordination among different departments and the administration office, policy development within the county, management of special projects, and community relations between the administration and constituents. She represents County Executive Craig Guy at various events if he is unable to attend and assists both him and the chief of staff when additional needs arise.
Vogt first worked for Hudson County as an accounting assistant and then transitioned to community engagement coordinator, a role that required her to coordinate various county sponsored events, such as movies in the park, summer camps, jazz in the parks, and more.
Vogt returned to Hudson County after attending West Virginia University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies with three minors in accounting, business administration, and communications. Despite her shift in focus away from dance, she held onto much of what she learned in HCST’s Dance program . She noted the professional skills she gained are what helped her succeed after graduating from high school in 2008.
“The rigorous training and commitment required for choreography have finely tuned my time management skills, enabling me to adeptly handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines inherent in administrative roles,” she said. “The discipline and dedication cultivated through years of dance training seamlessly translate into my work ethic.”
Recognizing the value in her HCST education, Vogt has returned to the school to give back as a board member. She was sworn in this year and sits on the budget and personnel committees.
“I give a lot of credit for who I am to the educators who I was fortunate enough to have,” said Vogt of her HCST experience. “I remember a lot of the advice they gave me in the past had the same theme, and it was always to continue being fearless. They gave me the confidence to always go after my goals and not be afraid to fail as long as I try. It is very important for me to be able to pass that advice down to the next generation, and to give them all the resources that they need to be just as confident and just as fearless.”
