Student employees share advice for New Buffs
Working on campus can offer many benefits for new students. In addition to earning money and having a flexible schedule, on-campus jobs allow you to spend time with fellow Buffs and get to know them better. Many students form friendships with their coworkers and have supervisors they can include in their professional network.
Izzy Tuccio, Hayley Thomas and Indu Varshini Jayapal share advice for new students and some insights into what it's like to work on campus.
Izzy Tuccio
Izzy is a senior studying marketing and leadership, and has a Social Responsibility and Ethics certificate. Izzy works at the Environmental Center (E-Center) on campus.
How has working on campus enhanced your college experience?
Working on campus has connected me with CU resources and offerings through campus. I have also had the opportunity to meet a bunch more staff members who have guided me and students outside of the major which is a nice change of pace.
What is your favorite thing about working on campus?
I specifically love working at the E-Center because the people are so unique and thoughtful about their lives. It had been a huge source of inspiration and education for me.
What advice do you have for New Buffs?
To a future Buff I would say that getting involved with a campus institution is one of the best things I have done for my personal life and career goals. Finding an organization that works within a passion of yours is an amazing experience and so worth your time. I will truly miss the E-Center and look back on it fondly.
Hayley Thomas
Hayley is a senior studying international affairs and works at the Basic Needs Center on campus.
How has working on campus at CU Boulder enhanced your college experience?
Working on campus helped me find friends. As a transfer, I didn't live on campus, so work gave me a solid place to meet new people. Through my office, I have met people who I hang out with, go to events with, and get food and drinks with.
What is your favorite thing about working on campus?
Working on campus has increased my understanding of the needs of our students. The Basic Needs Center addresses student food and housing insecurity, so my work here has opened up my eyes to both the issues in Boulder and the available resources. I feel that I have gotten a more nuanced understanding of Boulder and of social issues through my campus job.
What advice do you have for New Buffs?
Learn to understand your capacity. Working and extracurriculars are great additions to classes, but everyone has a different capacity to take on extra work. For example, some students need time to compress in the evening, and students may take more or less credits or work more or less hours. Finding your capacity will help you get the most out of CU without burning out.
Indu Varshini Jayapa
Indu is a graduate student studying data science and works at the Basic Needs Center on campus.
How has working on campus at CU Boulder enhanced your college experience?
Working at CU Boulder has allowed me to deepen my connection with the campus community, fostering a strong sense of belonging. From epic events to awesome activities, I'm in the know and fully involved. Moreover, my on-campus job has facilitated valuable connections with faculty, staff and peers, broadening my professional network. A big shoutout to my amazing supervisors who not only keep things fun but also set us up with sweet study spots during those intense midterm and final weeks!
What is your favorite thing about working on campus?
My favorite thing about working on campus is that it feels like I have everything I need right here. With both my studies and job in the same place, transitioning from work to studying is seamless and convenient.
It's like having my academic and professional worlds perfectly aligned.
What advice do you have for New Buffs?
My advice for New Buffs would be to dive into campus events and opportunities as much as possible. Getting involved and putting yourself out there can open up countless doors. Consider exploring on-campus job options—there are numerous offices catering to various interests, so you're likely to find something that aligns with your passions. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to Career Services to discover exciting avenues for involvement on campus.
Are you considering working on campus? The Division of Student Affairs is one of the largest on-campus employers of students. Check out student job opportunities.