Whitworth University

Head Lifeguard/Summer Lifeguard

May 2018 • Spokane, WA

What I liked

Steve, the aquatics director, Sharlene, the assistant aquatics director, and Patty, water aerobics instructor, were all fantastic supervisors who were consistently willing to help out and work directly with staff. My fellow head guards have always been fantastic workers who I could depend on. As a supervisor, I had free pick of what hours I would work and having an authority role has been helpful in my own professional development.

What I wish was different

The lifeguarding staff during the Summer is usually fantastic, but student lifeguards during the school year have been historically unreliable, many not actually taking their duties seriously. The swim meet shifts are also very challenging to work as staff will sometimes be late or not show up, leaving the other guards alone with the 200+ patrons in the aquatic center.

Advice

Always follow through with what you'll say you'll do. Take initiative in all your duties and never expect other people to automatically pick up your slack.

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Summer conference coordinator

May - August 2018 • Spokane, WA

What I liked

It was one of the most wonderful learning experiences I have had so far. I got to learn new skills and interact with new people. It’s a wonderful platform to brush up or learn hospitality, accounting, and organizational skills. I would definitely recommend people to apply for this job!

What I wish was different

Advice

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Electrical Assistant

June 2017 • Spokane, WA

What I liked

I like the people I work with, and the real world exeirience that I've learned.

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and learn something new.

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Swim instructor

June 2017 - August 2018 • Spokane, WA

What I liked

The environment was great and I loved working with kids.

What I wish was different

I wish there was more opportunities for hours

Advice

Push through no matter what.

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Biochemical Research Assistant

May - August 2018 • Spokane, WA

What I liked

This was an incredible opportunity to work close to home, live in the same house and not have to commute to work. I enjoyed getting to experience the full-time laboratory environment, and the ability to develop better problem solving skills. This experience helped me to solidify my knowledge in biochemistry as well as present my findings in a professional setting. I also really liked my principal investigator, Dr. Ojennus, as well as my lab partners. The people I worked with created an enjoyable and encouraging environment.

What I wish was different

I wish that I would have been able to experience a new environment, rather than working on campus in a place where I was already comfortable, even though it was convenient.

Advice

I would highly recommend an experience such as this for anyone looking to go into research of any kind, because working in the lab for an extended period of time will show you whether or not that is a true career interest for you.

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Researcher, Biology

February - May 2018 • Spokane, WA

What I liked

Got the chance to research the ecology of the diminishing Sage-Grouse population in central Washington, which ultimately contributed to a grant application on that subject.

What I wish was different

Advice

I would recommend this to anyone interested in graduate studies relating to biology, specifically ecology, plant taxonomy and related natural science subjects. You also get 1 credit for upper division biology electives.

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Switchboard Operator

May 2018 • Spokane, WA

What I liked

Very quiet and peaceful environment to work in, and the coworkers are very nice.

What I wish was different

Nothing! I had a great experience and am so happy to continue working here throughout the school year.

Advice

Work hard and meet people!Because of previous leadership positions I held in high school, I managed to get this job at my university. Anything you work hard on now will pay off in the future.

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