I loved that I got free, on campus housing for the job. My housing was also less than a five minute walk away from the building I was working, making the commute very easy and accessible. I also really enjoyed my immediate supervisor and my two co-workers. I felt like we had built a professional, approachable environment within a few weeks of working there. I also got to learn a lot more about the department that made me feel excited to return for my next job.
What I wish was different
I wish that some of the customers we had to interact with were more reasonable, but there were still plenty of interactions I had that were wonderful. I also wish there was more transparency and clear communication in the department; sometimes it felt like Student Assistants would be left "out of the loop" with communication that was happening (although this got better near the end of the summer as we got to be a part of meetings with higher-ups).
Advice
It's always great to make a good first impression when you start a new job. Always be willing to try new things (even if it seems scary). For example, answering the first few phone calls was very nerve-wracking, but I was excited and told my boss I was willing to jump into it early, and she really appreciated my willingness to give it a try (even if I wasn't perfect).
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Orientation Student Manager
November 2020 - September 2021 • Davis, CA
What I liked
I liked the work environment and the people I worked with!
What I wish was different
I wish I was able to find a more organized schedule in the beginning.
Advice
One piece of advice is to never hesitate to ask for help or to let your supervisors know if you are having trouble with what you are working on.
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Student Assistant Mechanic
November 2019 • Davis, CA
What I liked
I really like my coworkers and the experience of working in the dorms.
What I wish was different
I wish that more students had lived in the dorms this year.
Advice
Keep a good attitude and do your job well.
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Orientation Leader
July - September 2020 • Davis, CA
What I liked
I enjoyed the friendly work environment along with constructive feedback and interactive training.
What I wish was different
Would have preferred an in-person Orientation event as remote Orientation was harder to connect and interact with incoming students.
Advice
Pay attention during training and have a positive demeanor when you're with your student group.
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Segundo DC
December 2017 • Davis, CA
What I liked
People, food, student's and it's like my second home, family.
What I wish was different
Better pay or sick leave stipend for all student workers. Better communication between all workers.
Advice
People will train and tell you different things than other managers, chef's, co-workers, supervisors and shift leads. Find a good balance between the different opinions. Some workers are not professional and may even talk down to you for stupid things. Watch as they made a similar mistake or a mistake if another color and know your worth more than worker's who don't see the hard work you put in. Work hard regardless if people notice or give a damn.
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Orientation Leader
June - September 2019 • Davis, CA
What I liked
I enjoyed working with all the incoming students and I also met some amazing coworkers who became my good friends.
What I wish was different
I wish there were more breaks in-between orientation sessions. It was very exhausting especially with the summer Davis heat.
Advice
Have an open mind and be patient with the students because they’re often confused and/or lost.
