Marie Senat

As the Senior Financial Assistant for MIT’s Center for International Studies (CIS), Marie Senat can find herself at the center of several important decisions at once. From ensuring new hires are welcome and comfortably settled to managing the Center’s relationships with other operating areas at MIT, her work keeps the office and its employees focused and moving.

Senat earned an associates degree in business administration and management from Newbury College.

Describe your roles and responsibilities.

I have several responsibilities. As my work sits at the center of several areas of operation, as well as a bunch of departments, labs, and centers (DLCs), I help ensure my partners in CIS have what they need to work effectively with others both inside and outside the organization. I train new employees, helping them get comfortable with our operations and providing support when needed. I update our reporting to reflect staffing updates. I lead or am responsible for some of our accounting functions. I also ensure our purchasing and travel functions are in order. When my colleagues have financial questions, I’m their first point of contact.

How long have you worked at MIT?

36 years

What’s the best thing about your job? 

One of my favorite things is the opportunity to work with so many different cultures. The experiences help me understand different people and their cultures.

What advice would you offer someone interested in doing what you do?

Make sure you have an accounting background and are comfortable with being flexible. If you’re good at and interested in understanding rules and regulations, you can do well in finance. Stay organized and keep track of your projects. Set clear priorities.   

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I love sports, dancing, hiking, gardening, baking and cooking delicious Caribbean dishes. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music. I follow politics. I enjoy reading about finance and financial investment.