Admissions Blog: Student job opportunities on campus
Posted on July 28, 2021 by Abby May
By Emma Winn ’24 and Erin Nelson ’23
Interns, Office of Admissions
Sweet Briar College offers many opportunities to be involved and gain job experience both during the academic year and throughout the summer. Students are able to get this experience by applying for a campus job or an internship and working here through the summer. It’s not unusual for students to choose to spend time on Sweet Briar’s campus working, studying and enjoying the beauty during the summer months.
To get a better idea about what this is like, we interviewed a few students across campus about their summer jobs to hear what opportunities are available, what they do every day, what they enjoy about working on campus and why they made the choice to work at Sweet Briar this summer.
Annika Kuleba ’22
Honors Summer Research
Q: What is your summer job?
A: I am looking at the role of phenology in switchgrass carbon fluxes.
Q: Why did you want to do this particular job?
A: I would like to graduate with an honors degree and graduate plans. I might attend grad school and this ties into the fields I am interested in.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
A: It’s a good opportunity to gain research experience for possible future endeavors, such as grad school.
Q: What have you learned about yourself and what skills have you gained?
A: I have learned about grass identification, a variety of new research techniques and how to be an eloquent writer on science-based pieces.
Meenakshi Verma ’22
Technology Service Assistant
Q: What is your summer job?
A: I work as a technology services assistant. I do basically anything and everything that comes with assisting my supervisors. I answer phone calls, put in work orders, image machines and complete on-campus technology repairs.
Q: Why did you want to do this particular job?
A: At first I got a job because I had to stay on campus over the summer and needed a job to help with that, and this was the job available, but I have found that I love it. It’s like one big family, and I learn something new every day. It’s not a monotonous job as I am always doing something new.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
A: I like anytime I learn something new. I find everything I do at my job I love. I didn’t really like putting in tickets at first as it could be monotonous, but now, I don’t mind doing it. I think the on-campus repairs are the most fun.
Q: What have you learned about yourself and what skills have you gained?
A: I have definitely increased my horizon of learning in computer science. As a double major in biology and dance, this allows me to learn a whole new skill set and about operating different types of computers without having to take any computer science classes.
I have improved my typing and communication skills, as well as learning to be disciplined and patient. The people I work with are also always open to listening, willing to ask for my opinion and share their opinions. I have also gotten the chance to think of things in a new way, thinking outside the box. It was also my first job ever, and getting accustomed to a work environment and a disciplined routine were new skills I learned.
Q: Anything else you want to share with students?
A: Being an international student, I feel at home at Sweet Briar even as I am adjusting to a new culture and environment. I was able to find my voice in a new environment, and the Sweet Briar sisterhood has definitely helped. The close-knit community and the fact that teachers are willing to be with you one-on-one is huge. And when it comes to work, it’s the small things. I have the ability to voice any concerns, and I have seen so much growth in myself. Even the people at work comment on how much I have grown and matured. They treat me like I am part of their family, they even celebrate my birthday at work. It is the small things that really matter.
Katie Grush ’24
The Financial Aid Office
Q: What is your summer job?
A: In the financial aid office I take a lot of phone calls and answer questions regarding bills and financial aid. I input a lot of data, provide advice about loans and fulfill requests from students regarding financial aid to the best of my ability.
Q: Why did you want to do this particular job?
A: I had previous experience in the secretary field, and I felt really connected with the workers. I also wanted more financial knowledge.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
A: I find I enjoy talking with incoming students, and students in general. I really like getting to know and hear about people’s lives, it humanizes them and their situations. This job makes me feel like I am helping people in a way.
Q: What have you learned about yourself and what skills have you gained?
A: I have gained knowledge about financial information and learned about financial decisions for the future. I am more organized, I enjoy helping people and I like how fast paced the job can be.
Natalie Czarra ’22
Fitness and Athletic Center
Q: What is your summer job?
A: In the Fitness and Athletic Center I greet patrons, help set up memberships and have helped with summer camps.
Q: Why did you want to do this particular job?
A: It’s flexible, I get to still have a summer and earn money.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?
A: I like seeing the little kids come for swim practice and helping them out. I also love to see all the families come in together.
Q: What have you learned about yourself and what skills have you gained?
A: I gained a lot of patience and attention to detail with things such as cleaning, and I learned how to handle difficult people and diffuse situations. I also love to see the sunrise on the way to my morning shifts. It makes me feel grateful to be here.
You can learn more about student employment opportunities and open positions on campus here. Have a great rest of the summer, and never stop exploring your interests!
