PUBLISHED IN ,

From Temporary To Full-Time Employment

Robin Pietrantoni was a temporary employee but now places others in these positions

Robin Pietrantoni serves a meal at the McMannen United Methodist Church in Durham as part of the congregation's outreach to the homeless in Durham. Photo courtesy of Robin Pietrantoni.
Robin Pietrantoni serves a meal at the McMannen United Methodist Church in Durham as part of the congregation's outreach to the homeless in Durham. Photo courtesy of Robin Pietrantoni.
Interview by Marsha A. Green

Name: Robin Pietrantoni

Position: Employment Representative for Duke Temporary Service

Years at Duke: 31

What I do at Duke: I place temporary employees throughout Duke University and Duke University Health System. At any given time, we have between 150 and 200 temporary employees working at Duke. 

What I love about Duke: I often have people tell me that their cousin, neighbor or family member is receiving treatment at Duke, and they say it with such awe because they know that person is getting outstanding care. Even though I'm not associated directly with that care, I love being a little tiny drop in that bucket. It makes me proud to be part of Duke.

How I got my job at Duke: I started out as a temporary receptionist for University Development. I became a full-time employee with patient and visitor services in the hospital and then moved to postal services. I came to work for Duke Temporary Service 20 years ago, so I've come full circle.

When I'm not at Duke I like to: Work for my church. I am chair of missions and outreach at McMannen United Methodist Church. I help coordinate all the mission and outreach activities such as working with the homeless in Durham and service trips to Zimbabwe and Haiti. When I'm not doing that, I'm usually at my in-laws' place on Kerr Lake enjoying my extended family.

If I had $5 million I would: Retire and do volunteer work with agencies that fight hunger and poverty. I'd also build a huge place on Kerr Lake that would be big enough to have lots of family and friends come and stay.

The last book I read was: "Have a Little Faith." by Mitch Albom, author of  "Tuesdays with Morrie."

A memorable moment for me at Duke: Being interviewed as one of the Duke Stars when I celebrated my 20th anniversary at Duke. 

The best part of my job: I have had people call and say they've worked at Duke for a long time now, and they thank me for helping them get their foot in the door at Duke as a temporary employee. That's special.

My first job: My parents owned a restaurant in Stanfield, N.C., a town so small it didn't have a stoplight. I did whatever needed to be done except the cooking. My mother wouldn't let me near that.

If I could have one superpower it would be: The ability to fly so I could travel anywhere. But I like to travel with family and friends, so I'd have to learn how to fly a bus!