Nicole Renae Zarate

418 Hackberry Ave.

Modesto CA 95354
209-614-5272

Professional Summary
 Dedicated customer service experience for over 20 years. Working with and serving the public
since 1992 in various fields of customer service has helped me acquire valuable customer service
skills. Along with the education in organizational leadership I believe my knowledge and skills are
strong. I am a team player and I am always willing to assist where help is needed. I am looking for
new and exciting opportunities to use my knowledge and skills.
 Volunteer Over the past several years I have volunteered for several organizations. I always enjoy
meeting new people and the social interaction with people. I have listed several of the
organizations I have volunteered for:
o Brandman University Northern Graduation Commencement Ceremony (2010-
present)
o Arrowhead Club (5 years Stanislaus county fair)
o Chamber of Commerce of Modesto (1 year Beer and Wine tasting)
o Mitchell Maisetti (4 year Mardi Gras as well as 3 years St. Patrick Festival)
o Carriage House/Chris Ricci Presents, Inc.
 Photography Freelance photographer since 2009
Cannon 60D DSLR 18.0 Megapixels, Lens 18-135mm, 50mm, 75-300mm
o Weddings, Receptions, Portrait pictures (baby, family, senior etc.)
o Concert events, Birthday celebration
o Outdoor photography, some real estate photography

Education System
Oracle Fusion(Banner)
Regent Enterprise 8
VAOnce veteran certifying
Ellucian Degree Works
MySchool.edu websites
FAFSA & Mygrantinfo
Studentloans.gov
Datatel
Areas of Expertise
IT Productivity Tool Office/Equipment
Word 10 key by touch
Excel Operate Konica Bizhub
PowerPoint Nortel Phone system
Publisher ShoreTel Phone system
Microsoft Outlook DSLR camera knowledge
Windows XP & Windows 7 ISO, shutter speed,
Mac computer F-stop knowledge
Adobe CS5 Photoshop
 Nicole Renae Zarate
418 Hackberry Ave.
Modesto CA 95354
209-614-5272

Professional Experience
Brandman University – Salida, CA 05/2004 - Present

Student Service Specialist II 06/2014-Current

Student Service Specialist I/Military School Certifying Official 10/11-06/2014
Over the past 11 years of employment with Brandman University part of the Chapman University
system. I have held several positions within the organization. Most recently I was promoted to Student
Service Specialist II in our One Stop division. The current responsibilities in this position are:
 Help manage over 350 student’s financial aid funds, admission and general educational process
required in attending Brandman University.
 Assist students with completing the Application for admission and collect documents required for
program admission.
 Assistance with certification of Veteran’s education benefits, maintaining Veteran files
 Assist students in completion of their financial aid application (FAFSA), applying for loans as well
as counsel students on the rights and responsibilities of borrowing loans.
 Accounts payable and Accounts receivable, billing processing. Running reports through data
system and maintaining report in excel spreadsheet.
 Heavy volume of assisting students over the phone as well as answer/transfer on a multi-line phone
system, Filing, scanning, copying
 Assist students with Web system navigation and IT trouble shooting. Public speaking at New
student Orientations or events

Lead Financial Aid Advisor/Military School Certifying Official 01/07- 10/2011

 Assist students in the process of applying for their financial aid (FAFSA, Cal-Grant & Web
grant websites)
 Counsel students on eligibility for aid verses their anticipated education plan for the year
 Run and maintain all reports for financial aid
 Create and maintain students financial aid file and documentation turned in for processing
 Monitor students’ academic progress. Assist students that have fallen Non-Satisfactory
Progress in their program
 Invoiced and ordered books for Vocational Rehabilitation Veterans

Nicole Renae Zarate nikkizcreationz@gmail.com (209) 614-5272

  Request documentation for processing Military/Veteran students
 Certifying Veteran students through VAOnce veteran system
 Processing Active Duty tuition assistance
 Create and maintain all Veteran students files

Department Secretary 04/06-01/2007

 Process test score paperwork for credential students
o CBEST, CSET(S), RICA
 Review and maintain credential students file
 Monitor items and course taken in their program that is required for student teaching
 Assist credential students filing for their preliminary and clear credential
 Assist credential students with filing for CLAD or added authorization credential

Financial Aid Assistant 05/04-04/2006

 Assist the financial aid Advisor in the processing of financial aid
 Call students and assist them with questions and concerns with financial aid
 Assist advisor in report processing and maintaining of report
 Creating files and filing paperwork

Valley Commercial College – Modesto, CA 02/97 – 11/1997

Financial aid office assistant, 02/97 to 11/97

 Greeted Future students and reviewed student’s files for missing items required for financial aid
assistance
 Heavy filing, multi-line phone system
 Assisted preparing financial aid packets for Federal processing
 Knowledge in Pell grants, Cal Grants, Federal Stafford Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
 Worked in student accounts, contacting students with a balance due to the school
 Contacted students regarding their potential default on their student loans

Nicole Renae Zarate nikkizcreationz@gmail.com (209) 614-5272

 Nicole Renae Zarate
418 Hackberry Ave.
Modesto CA 95354
209-614-5272

Education and Training

Brandman University — Salida, CA 08/11 -current
Currently enrolled. Bachelor degree in Applied Studies anticipated graduation date 12/2017
Modesto Junior College — Modesto, CA 09/93 -07/11
Earned 31 credits; concentration in general studies
Valley Commercial College — Modesto, CA Graduated
Earned AA degree as an Administrative Assistant

Nicole Renae Zarate nikkizcreationz@gmail.com (209) 614-5272