There are a multitude of ways to get extracurricularly involved around campus- some of which include jobs on campus! Here, some students with different kind of jobs provide insights about their positions, and advice to other students hoping to get involved similarly.
Name: Ben Allar
Year: 2013
Job: Student EMT (emergency medical technician), through CC EMS
How long he’s been in the position: Two and a half years
Typical shift at work: A typical shift at work is 9:00PM to 3:00AM. I respond to medical emergencies that happen on weekend nights.
Favorite part of his job: I really like helping other people who are in need while using medicine, which is what I’m interested in the long term. I also like to teach CPR classes, which are offered throughout the semester.
Least favorite part: On weekends we are on call until 3:00AM which can be difficult if I want to sleep.
Advice to other students who are interested in getting involved: We offer EMT classes on campus, and you can join CC EMS. CC EMS offers scholarships for the EMT class, too.
Name: Alheli Garza
Year: 2016
Job: Fundraising for Conn through phone-a-thon
How long she’s been in the position: Three months
Typical shift at work: A normal shift at phone-a-thon would consist of me opening the spreadsheet from which we would be making calls from that night, finding my tab, and start dialing. You connect with alumni and encourage them to participate in supporting the Annual Fund, which improves the level of academics, enhances the student’s experience, and contributes to the image of Connecticut College. It’s not the size of the gift that matters, but the participation that really counts.
Favorite part of her job: My favorite part about working at the phone-a-thon is having the opportunity to connect with alumni, letting them know what’s happening on campus, and learning about their experience at and after Conn.
Least favorite part: My least favorite part is getting a refusal. Most times alumni are polite and give legitimate reasons on why they choose not to support the Annual Fund. However some can be bitter about their past or may simply not be having the best day and can come across as rude, and it really breaks my heart. I mean overall, no matter what you’re asking for in life, a piece of gum or a new handbag, it’s always devastating when you get a refusal.
Advice to other students who are interested in getting involved: My advice for students who might want to get involved is to try it out even though they may think it doesn’t suit them. Talking on the phone was one of those things I loathed doing. However I decided to try it out and I turned out to love it. It has really boosted my confidence and improved my communications skills. Also the entire crew at Phone-a-thon is awesome, and spending time with them turns out to be a nice break from school work.
Name: Ellen Heartlein
Year: 2014
Job: Barista at Coffee Grounds
How long she’s been in the position: A year and a half
Typical shift at work: It involves cleaning, maintaining the workspace, serving customers coffee and baked goods, and generally just providing a nice work atmosphere for students and professors.
Favorite part of her job: Coffee! Serving it and drinking it.
Least favorite part: When irritable parents from tours come to Coffee Grounds.
Advice to other students who are interested in getting involved: Definitley apply every semester, keep a lookout for when openings are posted, and if you don’t get accepted one semester try again! A lot of times experience is what’s qualifying, so if you have been a barista before emphasize that in your application.
Do you have a cool job on campus? Let us know and we can feature you in the future! Email bettinaweiss@hercampus.com with your description.