3 Questions with Student Employees - Part 2
Ever wonder what it’s like to have a job on your college campus? Just about every department at Chatham offers student employment positions, and as a result, many of our students gain on-the-job experience just a few doors down from their dorm rooms. We asked student employees from various departments to highlight the benefits of working on campus; read on for the insights of a whole new crew of student employees, complete with tips and tricks for landing a position of your own—
Archish Kashikar
Major: Graduate Food Studies
Campus Job: Graduate Consultant at CRAFT and Food Studies Test Kitchen Manager
Tell us a little bit about your job on campus and what made you apply for it.
AK: CRAFT is a research offshoot of Chatham. I specifically work as a Graduate Consultant in the Food Innovation Lab, where our team provides counseling and consulting services to entrepreneurs, food professionals, non-profits and community partners with their food-based projects that aim to uplift the local food system. I also work as a Kitchen Manager handling the scheduling and operation of the Food Studies Test Kitchen at the Eden Hall Campus Lodge.
What is your favorite part of your campus job?
AK: I think my favorite part about working with CRAFT is the support I receive while working towards creating a more sustainable and supportive community food system. It is very rewarding to be a part something big, and watching budding entrepreneurs establishing themselves while also using local resources. I also enjoyed establishing local contacts. Being an international student, it was very rewarding to see a whole new working culture in the food industry different from my experiences in India and Singapore. Also, a big shoutout to my supervisor Nikki, who has always been a source of encouragement and support in times of self-doubt.
What advice would you have for a student who is seeking on-campus employment?
AK: On-campus employment is not just something that sits on your CV, it is a tool that is meant to prepare you for the real world. On-campus organizations including CRAFT can help you create a network of contacts that benefit you in the long run. Working at CRAFT specifically, is like being in a very involved group project. Each person on the team is treated as an equal in the working process. At CRAFT, everyone’s opinions and voices are heard in the creative process. My advice to you is to make the best of the resources you have, try to use the help and reach of your organization to create your best self for the world.
Leyla M. Fevola
Major: Mathematics and Secondary Education Certificate
Campus Job: Library Access Services Aide
Tell us a little bit about your job on campus and what made you apply for it.
LMF: I work at Jennie King Mellon Library as a Library Access Services Aide. I spend time in the library helping fellow patrons and students find the right services, books, and reserving our beautiful study rooms. Every day I get to meet someone new and help them engage with the library in ways that will help them succeed, rather than it only being a quiet place to do zoom classes and study. I applied for this job because libraries are important to my sister—she loves to read and loves the peace that a library can offer. I wanted to be part of an environment where people can feel safe to relax. I also feel that libraries hold history and knowledge that technology could never give and working at the library keeps its legacy alive.
What is your favorite part of your campus job?
LMF: My favorite part of my campus job is the people. I meet some amazing people in the library. When I first came to Chatham, I wasn’t sure if I would find any friends or fit in. I felt like an outcast but this job helped me find my friends and gave me a place at Chatham that I thought I would never find. I also have such amazing peers who support me and everyone around them to the fullest. We are like a family, we care about one another and we make sure everyone thrives . I couldn’t be more thankful to have had the opportunity to work here, because the people who run the library are amazing. I couldn’t be happier to be part of this family.
Do you have a dream job? If so, has your campus job influenced that at all?
LMF: My dream job is to become a Secondary Mathematics Teacher who travels the world to help schools and other educational programs grow and succeed. The people I work with at the library showed me it could be possible to do anything and they have taught me so many skills to create safe spaces for students. This made me realize my main goal as a teacher: to create that safe space for all the students I come across. Everyone deserves one, and because of this job, I know how to create one.
Mars Touloumes
Major: Communications and Political Science
Campus Job: Communications Assistant for the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics
Tell us a little bit about your job on campus and what made you apply for it.
MT: I run the social media accounts for PCWP while also helping with newsletters and outreach to alumni. I applied because I have gone to so many PCWP events and programs and really enjoyed them all. I wanted to help with more of this programming and become more politically engaged.
What is your favorite part of your campus job?
MT: Being able to highlight students and alumni on social media. Being able to highlight these individuals and show how they engage in politics is so fun and I think it encourages others to also engage politically.
What advice would you have for a student who is seeking on-campus employment?
MT: Apply for anything you find interesting and be sure to find ways in which you can improve it or make a difference while working there. Each job is unique and you can really make it your own by speaking up, asking questions, and coming up with solutions or ideas for anything you run into while working.
Tell us a little bit about your job on campus and what made you apply for it.
TS: In my position at CRAFT at Chatham, I assist with the conceptualization, implementation, and execution of programs for food business in conjunction with the CRAFT guidelines. These programs range from industry research; Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and comparative analyses; recipe concepts and testing. My other duties include writing blog posts for the CRAFT website and assisting in CRAFT workshops if necessary. In the Agroecology Demonstration Garden, I hold the post of Garden Assistant. I participate in crop planning activities, seed saving and selection, and my favorite: the actual growing and tending to different crops. My main focus is on different varieties of hot peppers, edible and decorative flowers, and herbs.
What resume-building skills have you developed while working in this position?
TS: I have developed several skills, namely: brainstorming techniques, active listening techniques, self-motivation, confidence in my abilities, networking, and acuity.
What advice would you have for a student who is seeking on-campus employment?
TS: On-campus jobs are a must for any student. They provide opportunities to develop skills which one cannot get in the classroom. Very often, they are preliminary opportunities for a foot in the door of your chosen career path and allow you to gain much needed work experience. They also offer numerous other benefits, including time management skills, interaction with mentors who possess a plethora of knowledge and experience, and some much-needed funds in one’s pocket. Get an on-campus job today!
Toni Simpson
Major: Graduate Food Studies
Campus Job: Graduate Consultant with CRAFT at Chatham, Agroecology Garden Assistant in the ADG at Eden Hall
Interested in student employment opportunities at Chatham? Learn more here.
