http://nau.edu

Northern Arizona University (NAU)

Graphic Designer, Sr.

April 2017 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I like designing full-time with a team of designers.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to do more design project managing.

Advice

Since we're an internal agency, we have MANY levels of approvals we have to get–which means MANY rounds of revisions.
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Academic Advisor

October 2018 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

My experience so far has been incredible and extremely rewarding. I'm using my experiences at NAU to directly translate into work that I enjoy. I've been learning a lot in my new role, and it has been challenging me in the best ways possible.

What I wish was different

I wish I had used my personal network earlier in my job search. I was really worried about not having a job for a little bit, and while it wasn't a long period after graduation that I didn't have a job, I wish I would've applied to all sorts of places instead of just one regional area that I was interested in moving to.

Advice

Utilize all of your experiences, or as many as you can, while you're in your undergraduate studies. They will contribute just as much, sometimes more, than your education. It's good to do the best you can in school, but also balance time for involvements that are just as important to you.
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Program Coordinator

July 2018 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I love my work, I get to help people and there's a lot of flexibility in the projects that I am able to take on.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had more real-world experiences in college in my field, such as internships and research.

Advice

It's never too early to start getting involved in your career path. While it might be tempting to work full time in retail while you're taking classes, that can take away from other important experiences that may help you get ahead before you graduate. Understandably, a lot of students must work, but if you need a full time job then aim for something related to your field or take on small volunteer positions during the breaks.
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HR Assistant

September 2018 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I love working in Human Resources at NAU. The people who work in this office have been incredibly supportive.

What I wish was different

Advice

If the opportunity for a job comes your way, go for it. Even if it isn't in a related field to your college degree, it is a great idea to get a variety of experience in as many areas as possible!
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Grounds Caretaker

April 2018 - August 2019 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I really liked how flexible they were with my school schedule allowing me to pick when I’d come in to work.

What I wish was different

I wish we’d been paid more since my wage was $8.50 an hour until July 2019.

Advice

It really taught me how to work as a team while also working independently.
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System Analyst

August 2018 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

Applying my degree field to real world work.

What I wish was different

The pay. I think NAU should adhere to minimum wage

Advice

If you do not like technical projects I would not recommend this position.
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Undergraduate Researcher

August 2019 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I love learning new topics and techniques we apply in the lab. We have so much control on what our projects can be about as long as it follows the lab title. For example, if you are in a genetic engineering lab, your project must have some aspect of genetic engineering involved.

What I wish was different

When first joined, I wish I was more involved with the graduate students and their projects so I can observe and learn more techniques early on.

Advice

Being in undergraduate research makes you be assertive and have time management skills. You need to let your PI know if you want to be involved in a project or learn new techniques within your lab. Being quiet and "going with the flow" does not make you get the most out of the experience.
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NAU Athletics Ticketing Office Intern

August 2020 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I loved everything about this internship. From the caring people to the fun atmosphere, there is not a thing I would change! I worked with really great people and I am so glad that I was able to take advantage of this opportunity.

What I wish was different

Nothing, I loved every moment of working for this department! With COVID-19, there weren't any games to be worked so that was the only sad part...but I look forward to next semester when the games start up and we will be able to work them again!

Advice

If I could give one piece of advice, I would say to be willing to go the extra mile. It goes a long way. Even if it is something very simple, even more so then, just go the extra mile. My dad has always said "and then some" and I love to live by this motto. This means to do what is expected of you, and then some.
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STAR program assistant

May - July 2019 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

Lots of free time and flexibility, opportunity to connect with lots of great incoming students. Amazing staff and coworkers!

What I wish was different

Advice

Be open and willing to ask for help. Everyone wants you to succeed and it'll allow you to make better connections.
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Intern

May - July 2020 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

It was with my university.

What I wish was different

That COVID didn't mess things up.

Advice

Be careful of your timezones.
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Intramural sports official

October 2018 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

The teamwork and the positive environment

What I wish was different

That there was more teams and sports so that I could have more hours

Advice

Be open to try new things and learn about sports from a different point of view.
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Data quality Analysist

February 2018 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I enjoy the overall environment I work in, having a healthy and approachable supervisor is a gift and underappreciated in my book

What I wish was different

I really wish nothing was different, other than those making decisions about us and our supervisors realizing that we also need jobs in this current epidemic.

Advice

Listen to the advice your supervisor gives, and do not be afraid to speak your mind about it
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Desk Manager

May 2020 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I love the management at University Housing, and loved working alongside the other desk managers! As desk manager you get to do so many different tasks and interact with residents so it offers a really interesting perspective on dorm life.

What I wish was different

I wish we would have had more conferences visit campus, but with COVID that wasn't possible.

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know the other desk managers!
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Accounting Intern

May 2017 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I liked the increasing responsibilities that I received this summer since working there for about two years.

What I wish was different

Nothing

Advice

Always be willing to accept criticism.
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Environmental Research Intern

May - August 2019 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

Free housing plus food stipend and reimbursement for up to $400 in travel expenses. Great people, great field work (camping at the research site) and lab work experience.

What I wish was different

Mandatory group outings with other research interns. Points were taken from final seminar grade for missed attendances

Advice

If you are interested in a research experience and have a stellar GPA apply at the NSF REU (research experience for undergraduates) program. They have REU positions all across the US. Check out their website for instructions on how to apply! And if you get it. Don’t forget to bring all you need to live in dorm housing for 10 weeks.
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Desk Manager

August 2020 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

Great experience and flexibility.

What I wish was different

Communication between campus departments could use improvement in some cases, to make certain parts of the job run smoother.

Advice

Be proactive with your work tasks and make sure to act as a mentor to the employees you supervise to help them with their work tasks.
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Undergraduate Researcher

August 2019 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I like helping graduate students with their projects and learning about different methods and instruments.

What I wish was different

I wish I had started Freshman year.

Advice

I recommend that everyone should try to get into research because it is a great experience and you learn a lot.
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Student Accounting Worker

September 2019 - June 2020 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

The people I worked with were incredibly understanding and kind

What I wish was different

I wish I was given more responsibility and training.

Advice

It's one of the most boring and mundane jobs I have ever had. Be sure you are mentally prepared for sitting at a desk all day, many days not talking to anyone other than saying "hi" to the nice front desk lady.
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Enrollment Assistant

February 2019 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

Being a student worker means my job is very flexible with me during the school year and luckily I can continue to work into the summer! I love my boss and everything I do for Gateway as I know I am making a big difference in student's lives.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have a few more hours over the summer or better pay overall.

Advice

This experience had made a huge impact in my professional development and will greatly aid me in the future.
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Conservation Manager

May 2020 • Flagstaff, AZ

What I liked

I love working with Green NAU! It is so awesome to already be doing such fulfilling work in my field.

What I wish was different

If it weren't for COVID, it would have of course been nice to be with my team in-person.

Advice

Go after what you're passionate about! I never ever thought I would be leading and managing a team of bright and talented individuals -- I used to be scared to do class presentations! And now I love facilitating team meetings, and working on projects.
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