91ºÚÁÏ

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

I usually start my shift by checking requests that have been sent out and returned unfilled, which is what happens when the first batch of libraries we contact can’t send the item. Since I’ve been doing ILL for a while, I mainly handle the more difficult or rare requests that require “Extensive Searching.” For those, I research availability worldwide and often email libraries in other countries, sometimes in different languages. My shifts are dynamic: sometimes I can handle 100 requests in a shift, and other times I only handle one, so it’s quite varied in that way.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

The most important skills that I’ve developed are research and attention to detail. Many requests require extensive research to identify the item a user wants and locate it. Some are incredibly straightforward, while others are incredibly rare, published long ago, or cited insufficiently, etc. Attention to detail is incredibly important because there are often so many different editions of works that could be wildly different, or different books with similar titles, etc. There’s no end to the different confusing citations we have to sort through.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

I really love the puzzle-solving aspect of my work! Sifting through information to identify and locate material is really interesting to me, and it’s quite satisfying when you’re actually able to locate the item after so much work. It’s even better knowing that my effort helps a student, professor, or staff member access something they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to get.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

I work in ILL about 6 hours a week this semester but have previously worked 8 hours during the week. Some weeks it’s certainly difficult to balance everything, but I find that getting to focus on work and the complexities of the requests I’m dealing with is very refreshing and almost rejuvenating. When I leave work, I’m better prepared to go work on my other assignments because of the contentment my work gives me.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I found this job on JobX—the earlier version of what is now Workday—during my first week at 91ºÚÁÏ. I’ve always loved books, so I was immediately drawn to the idea of working at the library. After applying, I also emailed my now-boss, Guy, to share why I was interested in the position. I came in for an interview and was offered the job at the end!

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

I’d suggest that students think about what they want to get out of their campus job. For me, working in ILL has been rewarding because I enjoy the hands-on, detail-oriented nature of the work. It’s also a great way to earn money while gaining professional experience, developing skills like communication, organization, and attention to detail that are valuable far beyond college.

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

I work as a research assistant in the psychology department for Professor Reese, who is currently conducting a study on an online mindfulness-based intervention for tic disorders. Some of my responsibilities include managing the online platform that delivers at-home mindfulness activities, conducting phone screens for potential participants, and reviewing transcripts for treatment efficacy evaluations. I also occasionally meet with the research and treatment teams to discuss the study’s progress and outcomes.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

I’ve greatly strengthened my attention to detail through this position. The online mindfulness platform is complex, and it’s easy to overlook a small but important task, like assigning the right exercise for the week. This has taught me to slow down and double-check my work. Conducting phone screens has also been an invaluable learning experience, as it’s shown me how essential supportive, empathetic communication is in psychology, and how to balance offering validation with maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

I love being behind the scenes of the treatment development process. While my day-to-day tasks are engaging, what I enjoy most is learning from the experienced clinicians leading this study. I get to observe every stage of developing an empirically supported treatment, from participant recruitment and randomized control trials to evaluating treatment efficacy. This experience feels especially valuable as I start thinking about jobs and graduate school after I graduate this year.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

I set aside about four hours each week to make sure I have time to complete all my responsibilities. Knowing exactly when I’ll be working helps me stay organized and consistent. I also think of my job as part of my course load—just like I schedule readings for my classes, I schedule tasks for the study participants as part of my weekly academic routine.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I knew that Professor Reese was taking on a research assistant this year, so I kept an eye on Workday over the summer. Once the posting appeared, I immediately applied. After submitting the Workday form, I received a follow-up survey asking about my experience and interest in the position. I was then interviewed by Professor Reese and the other principal investigator on the study. The whole process took about a month from start to finish.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

Do it! It’s so easy to get caught up in just your classes here, but having a job has added a really meaningful dimension to my 91ºÚÁÏ experience. It’s refreshing to spend a few hours each week doing work that’s different from my coursework. This position has helped me build connections, develop career-relevant skills, and make the most of my time on campus.

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

On a typical day at Magee’s, I start my shift by washing my hands and making sure the station is fully stocked for the night. I check in with the cooks to review the daily specials and see what ingredients we have on hand. Throughout the shift, I ring up orders, expedite food, and help with dishes as needed.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

This job has helped me build a wide range of skills, especially strong communication. I use this constantly, whether I’m talking with customers about the menu or coordinating with the kitchen staff to keep things running smoothly.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

My favorite part of working at Magee’s is the steady stream of small interactions with people from all over campus. It gives me a break from my academic and extracurricular responsibilities, and I get to spend time with great coworkers serving great food.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

Having an on-campus job has also made me much more proactive with my time. Because I genuinely enjoy working at Magee’s, I plan carefully to make sure I’m always on time and prepared for my shifts. Balancing work alongside my academic and extracurricular responsibilities has helped me stay organized and manage my schedule more intentionally.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I originally heard about the job through teammates who were working there at the time. I applied through Workday, met with Richard Escorsio, who later became my manager, and the process was straightforward. 91ºÚÁÏ is always looking for student employees, but as with any job, being proactive helps.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

On-campus jobs are a great way to meet people you might not otherwise cross paths with at 91ºÚÁÏ. They’re designed to accommodate student schedules and provide a helpful break in the day. And if you’re lucky enough to work at Magee’s, you might even get some free chicken tenders, which is a pretty great perk.

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

A typical day as a Student IT Representative usually kicks off by getting ready to help clients. This means logging into Teams and toggling on my calls tab to catch any incoming requests from the 91ºÚÁÏ community right away. Next, I jump into our team's ticket system to see if there are any open issues that were submitted overnight that need my attention. After tackling those initial tasks, I spend the rest of my shift on more hands-on work: assisting with hardware setups, performing necessary repairs, and making sure all campus devices are updated and ready to go.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

Working as a Student IT Representative has been great for boosting my technical skills. I've especially strengthened my troubleshooting abilities; I can now quickly figure out if an issue is a simple software glitch or something that needs a hardware fix. Beyond that, I’ve also built really strong communication skills. I can explain technical problems and solutions in a way that is easy to understand, which helps both my teammates and our clients feel comfortable and informed.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

What I enjoy most is the satisfaction of solving problems and helping people get back to work. Fixing an issue for someone is rewarding because I'm not only perfecting my own technical expertise, but I’m also directly making things easier for our 91ºÚÁÏ community members, which is a great feeling.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

Balancing my job with classes and other commitments can definitely be a juggling act, but I manage it through clear communication. I make sure to talk to my boss early on if my schedule gets busy or if I have a big exam week coming up. They are always very understanding and flexible, which makes managing everything much smoother.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I discovered the Student IT Representative position by looking through the opportunities posted on Workday. The application process was pretty straightforward. After submitting my application, which asked for a resume and two short answer questions, I went through an interview process and then completed training with the 91ºÚÁÏ IT team. The training was really helpful for getting a solid understanding of what the job actually involves.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

If you’re considering working on campus, I'd say definitely go for it! Campus jobs offer so many opportunities to learn valuable skills and gain experiences you just can’t get in the classroom. As long as you come in with an open mind for learning, stay organized, and are ready to be a good team player, you’ll absolutely be successful working on campus.

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

A typical day starts the night before, when I review the basic information of the students I’ll be interviewing the next day. On interview day, I meet with each student and conduct a conversation based on what they value most about their high school experience and what they want the admissions team to know about them. Afterward, I write a review of our conversation, and most days I also send thank-you cards to the students, thanking them for their time and highlighting memorable moments from our discussion.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

Definitely interpersonal communication, both verbal and written. This role has helped me become more adaptable in conversation and more confident connecting with people from different backgrounds. I’ve learned how to ask thoughtful follow-up questions, make interviewees feel comfortable, and express myself clearly and professionally. Writing interview summaries has also strengthened my ability to communicate with precision and empathy.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

I really enjoy feeling like the work I do has meaning. Meeting so many different students and hearing their stories is inspiring, and it reminds me why I love 91ºÚÁÏ. It’s rewarding to know that I’m helping shape the incoming class and contributing to the community in a tangible way. It’s fun, people-centered work that also feels purposeful.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

I approach this job like any other campus responsibility. I’m very involved at 91ºÚÁÏ, and staying busy helps keep me grounded. I view my work hours as a productive break from academics. When I’m working, I focus on the job, and when I’m done, I can fully shift my attention back to school or other commitments.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I first learned about the position through an email sent to the senior class. Since I’d already worked in admissions for three years as a tour guide and as an admissions receptionist, I was familiar with the team and the environment. The application involved submitting a general form with a résumé and a short statement about why I wanted the position, followed by an interview with the admissions staff.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

You never know unless you apply, so just apply! Working on campus is a great way to earn some extra spending money, meet new people, and take a break from academics. I’ve really enjoyed all my campus jobs, and there are so many areas across campus to explore and get involved in.

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

On the days I work, I usually arrive at the admissions building 15 minutes early and receive a briefing on my tour. I wait until the visitors are done with their info session and then introduce myself along with the other tour guides. We split into two even groups and then I begin the tour, which typically takes around 60-70 minutes. The tour involves walking around the campus while sharing information, personal experiences, and insights that help prospective students picture what life is like at 91ºÚÁÏ. Afterwards, if I have extra time, I distribute business cards and stay to answer any additional questions.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

Working as a tour guide has helped to strengthen my “people skills,” in the sense that I am exposed to a diverse array of individuals each time (both students and adults) and have to adapt my tour and narration style to the needs of the group. I’ve become a better public speaker and presenter and gained an even greater depth of knowledge about 91ºÚÁÏ, which serves additionally to strengthen my connection to this school.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

My favorite aspect of my job as a tour guide is probably answering questions for the visitors on the tour. Getting to explain my experience and otherwise just talk about parts of my life at 91ºÚÁÏ that have become totally routine to a group of people that are completely unfamiliar with it is a consistent pleasure. I love seeing how people react to learning things about my college experience that surprise them and using that to take perspective on and regain appreciation for what makes my life here so special.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

I typically lead just a few tours each month, so it’s an easy role to balance with my other commitments on campus. Even when a tour ends right before one of my classes, it’s still manageable because I just hop on my bike and head straight there. It’s a fun and flexible way to stay involved on campus without feeling overwhelmed.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I heard about this job through friends of mine who had it before me, and it immediately struck me as the perfect fit for my skill set and overall enthusiasm for the school. The application process involved filling out a pretty standard online application and then attending several rounds of interviews with student leaders in the Tour Guide program, as well as admissions staff. The interviews were very conversational and low-stakes, and it was generally a very pleasant process.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

I would absolutely recommend getting a job on campus – especially tour guiding! I would particularly recommend the tour guide program for people who are passionate about their lives here at 91ºÚÁÏ and love connecting with other people. It’s a wonderful opportunity to help shape the life and college decision of someone whose shoes you were in relatively recently, and I value every opportunity I have to do that!

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

A typical day usually involves meeting with the Director of Sustainability to plan or brainstorm new ways to engage the campus community with our trees. Sometimes that means working on material for student body engagement, creating educational materials, or walking around campus to identify areas where we can highlight the importance of 91ºÚÁÏ’s green spaces. Every day looks a little different, but it always connects back to celebrating and caring for our campus trees.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

This position has really helped me become a stronger communicator. Working on projects that involve multiple departments has taught me how to collaborate effectively and share ideas clearly. I’ve also gained experience in outreach and content creation, which are skills that I know will be valuable beyond 91ºÚÁÏ.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

I love having the opportunity to work with people who share a genuine passion for sustainability and for the natural beauty of 91ºÚÁÏ’s campus. It’s rewarding to see the “behind-the-scenes” work that goes into maintaining the grounds and making campus more sustainable. There’s something really special about helping others appreciate the trees and green spaces that make 91ºÚÁÏ feel like home.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

Keeping a schedule is key. I rely heavily on my calendar to stay organized and make sure I’m on top of assignments and tasks. Having clear boundaries between work, classes, and downtime helps me manage everything without feeling overwhelmed. If it’s not on my calendar, it’s not happening!

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I first learned about this position through another role I had in the Sustainability Office. I was already familiar with the amazing work happening around campus trees, and when I saw the chance to get more involved, I knew I had to apply. The process was pretty straightforward and felt really supportive. Everyone in the office is passionate about what they do and excited to bring new people in.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to departments or organizations that interest you, even if you’re not sure they have open positions. There are so many opportunities on campus, and showing initiative can open unexpected doors. Find something that aligns with what you care about, and you’ll get a lot more out of the experience.

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

I work in the Media Commons of the H-L Library, so a typical day involves helping students, staff, and community members check out DVDs and media equipment. After checking in upstairs and making sure everything is set in the Media Commons, I spend my shift at the desk assisting anyone who needs help booking or checking out equipment, using the screening and podcast rooms, or finding their way around.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

Through this job, I’ve strengthened my customer service skills and expanded my knowledge of media equipment, including cameras, microphones, and lighting. I’ve learned how to explain equipment clearly and help people feel confident using it.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

I most enjoy helping other students. A lot of people aren’t exactly sure what they need from the Media Commons to complete a class assignment or personal project, and it’s fun to help them figure out what will work best. It’s rewarding to see their ideas come together.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

Working at the library is definitely a time commitment, so balancing it with academics and other activities takes planning and organization. I’ve learned how to manage my time well and stay on top of my responsibilities. Despite the time commitment, I’ve been able to balance playing on a varsity sports team, working one or two other jobs, and helping lead a club. It can be busy, but I’ve always been able to make it work.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I found this job on Workday through the campus jobs portal. The application process was straightforward, and the interview was helpful, as it gave me a good sense of what the role would be like and helped me decide it was a great fit.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

I would encourage students to find a job that genuinely interests them. Working on campus is a great way to give back to the community, get to know faculty and staff, and meet other students, all while gaining experience in something you enjoy.

Can you walk us through a typical day at work?

I usually work at the Smith Union Info Desk for about 3 hours a day. At the start of my shift, I make sure everything in Smith looks as it should, refill the printers with paper, and get ready to answer any questions. Throughout the shift, I make hourly rounds through the building and handle any calls or inquiries that come up, whether that’s about the Craft Center, Student Activities, or general campus info.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?

I’ve really improved my ability to answer questions on the spot, communicate clearly with supervisors, and interact professionally with a wide range of people, including students, staff, and visitors. It’s also helped me build confidence in handling unexpected situations and representing the college in a positive, approachable way.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?

I really enjoy working with the Student Activities staff and being a part of the daily flow of campus life. Sitting at the info desk gives me a unique opportunity to help students, faculty, and visitors with whatever they might need, whether that’s answering questions, giving directions, or handling small office tasks. I enjoy that the work feels directly helpful and that I get to interact with so many different people throughout the day. It’s rewarding to know that I play a small part in keeping things running smoothly.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?

Balancing this job with academics and my other commitments has been very manageable, as the schedule is consistent and structured. Having set work hours each week at the same time helps me plan my week more efficiently and stay organized. The job also gives me a nice change of pace from classes, which allows me to stay engaged and productive in a different way while still contributing to campus life.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?

I first saw a posting for an open shift on CampusGroups during my first year. I emailed Silvia from Student Activities right away, and she set up a short interview and introduction. Since then, I’ve been able to work shifts that fit perfectly with my class schedule each semester.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus?

Working on campus is a great way to connect with the amazing staff who keep 91ºÚÁÏ running and support students every day. There are so many different types of jobs available, so if you have a busy schedule, try to find one with steady hours that fit well with your routine. And definitely keep your eyes open—there are paid opportunities in unexpected places, not just on Workday!

Can you walk us through a typical day at work? 

When I get to work, I start by booting up the website where we keep track of all the calls that come in, and then I get right into the swing of things. Someone calls, I answer, and I ask them where they are, where they're going, and how many people are in their party. Once I have that information, I radio a van and ask them to head over to the pick-up. I also often have to tell people where their nearest pick-up spot is, so I've gotten to know the campus and town maps pretty well.

What skills have you developed or strengthened through this job?​ 

First and foremost, the shuttle has improved my ability to handle chaotic environments requiring lots of multitasking. On busy nights, I'll sometimes get nonstop calls and radios for an hour; things start overlapping pretty quickly, and I might have to enter information into the website while telling a caller which shuttle stop is closest to them, all while listening to one of the drivers ask me a question over the radio. Because of that, I've also had to get more comfortable asking people to repeat themselves.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and why?​ 

The best part of the job is the people. I'm fortunate to have some great colleagues in the shuttle drivers, and we work very well together on shift. They always give me a ride home at the end of the late shift, even if it's slipped a bit past clock-out time, and if we've just shared a particularly rough shift, it's nice to decompress for a minute.

How do you balance your job with academics and other commitments?​ 

The shift schedule is very consistent, which makes it much easier to plan my week and ensure I'm meeting all my academic deadlines. We’re also very communicative as a team about when folks need coverage, so it’s really just about being proactive; scheduling myself for shifts that don't conflict with my clubs or making sure I don't work too late on nights before an early morning class. It fits into my routine quite naturally.

How did you discover this campus job, and what was the application process like?​ 

One of my friends was working for the shuttle, and when a spot opened, she mentioned my name to Security. I applied and got the job pretty quickly. I don't remember much about the initial application process, honestly, but the position is technically only a semester long, so each semester you have to sort of request to work again for the next one. I fell into it pretty nicely from the get-go, and the drivers and Security seem to like the way I work, so I've stayed on ever since.

What advice would you give to another student who’s thinking about working on campus? 

If another student thinking about working on campus asked for my advice, I would absolutely encourage them to apply for some jobs! I definitely feel lucky with the shuttle because it isn't always too demanding, but there are a lot of great positions out there. It's nice to get to know some of the 91ºÚÁÏ staff, too, because I think it's easy to get caught up in academia and forget how big the 91ºÚÁÏ community is. I'm truly grateful for all the wonderful folks I've met through the dispatch job.