Katherine has worked in multiple roles related to her STEM majors–with both the peer-to-peer work as a Course Assistant and lab-based work as a Research Assistant–while also working as a Peer Tutor.
What advice would you give to students who are seeking or starting their campus employment journey?
I would advise students who are looking to start their campus employment journey to reach out to others as much as possible. Whether that be other students who have had similar positions, professors who you’re interested in doing research for or being a course assistant for, or career center staff members, I find that most everyone is willing to help out and give advice to students trying to get involved. I would also encourage students to explore the various campus employment positions available. Even though all the jobs I have had are very academically oriented, there are plenty of different opportunities out there that offer unique learning experiences – don’t be afraid to try something new!
In what ways has your campus job contributed to your personal, academic, or professional growth and aspirations?
My campus roles as a course assistant, peer tutor, and research assistant have all contributed to my personal, academic, and professional growth. My work as a course assistant and peer tutor has helped me develop stronger communication and organizational skills, while reinforcing and deepening my own academic knowledge. Being able to support other students and reframe concepts in new ways has also helped me gain more confidence in myself as well. Meanwhile, my experience as a research assistant has taught me the importance of perseverance and critical thinking, as well as practical skills such as data analysis and laboratory techniques. Working in a lab has also sparked an interest in pursuing research as a potential career path in the future.
How do you manage to balance your campus job with academic commitments and other activities?
Balancing my campus jobs with academic commitments and other activities can be challenging at times, but I’ve found a few strategies that help me stay on top of everything. Personally, creating checklists and allocating time on my calendar for different tasks is really useful when planning ahead and effectively managing my time. However, maintaining flexibility is also crucial, and being able to adapt to unexpected circumstances is important when maintaining a busy schedule. I’ve also learned to better prioritize tasks, both in regards to what needs to be done first and also when I can afford to put a little less time and effort into something and still be satisfied with it. With all that said, I believe it’s just as important to make time for yourself and spend time with friends as it is to keep up with work and school. Taking breaks to relax and have fun and being realistic about your limitations is essential to avoid burnout and have a sustainable lifestyle!
Give your campus job supervisor(s) a shout out – what did you love about their mentorship?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my research advisor, Dr. Coolon. He has always been willing to provide support and guidance, and his excitement toward science is infectious. I especially appreciate him always having confidence in my abilities and encouraging me to grow.
Updated May 16, 2024
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