http://www.wsu.edu/

Washington State University

laboratory technician

June 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

I enjoyed being able to learn and observe those in my career field.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have had better interview preparation.

Advice

I would recommend going through a mock job interview a few times to prepare.
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Orientation Counselor

January 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

I enjoyed working with incoming students and helping build the culture of our incoming class! It was an amazing experience to help my students feel comfortable at WSU while also learning how to become a better leader at the same time.

What I wish was different

Advice

Don't be afraid to be yourself! The most important part of this job is being authentic with your students because that builds up the bond of trust!
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Art Teacher and Record Keeper

May 2016 • Moses Lake, WA

What I liked

Art was a big part of my job , which was important to me, as an Illustration major. I had good relationships with boss, coworkers, and students. Record keeping fits well with my strengths. I sometimes had an assistant working with me.

What I wish was different

Our director was out of office for the whole summer, which made everything pretty chaotic. Trying to organize the summer program, between a dozen part time employees, without a director was very stressful.

Advice

Most of the difficulties we ran into arose from problems with communication. I think actively trying to set up good a communication network in the workplace is the only way to remedy that.
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Preschool Teacher

November 2015 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

I have worked at WSU for almost four years now and have loved being able to work with so many different age ranges of children and families from all over the world. That is what I have loved most working at a University is the fact that I get to work with a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

What I wish was different

I have so much flexibility with the job I have now, that I was also able to get married this summer, and go on a trip to Ireland. I wouldn't change a thing right now.

Advice

Yes, it's going to be hard to work full time and go to school even part time and be able to have a social life outside of all of that. I tell myself everyday that it is worth it, that I AM WORTH IT. Where I'm at at WSU is a dead end to me, which is why I'm going back to school. I will keep gaining experience through the mentors I have and the ability to be able to mentor others as well, and will continue to do so when I enter into a new job after school.
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Wildlife Biologist Intern

May - August 2019 • Rockport, WA

What I liked

The experience was very informative about the professional world and shed a lot of personal insight about the concept of having a career.

What I wish was different

The only thing I wish that had been different is that I knew more about my field during the duration of my internship. I feel as though this would've inspired me to perform a more thorough job.

Advice

The only piece of advice I would share about this experience, or all internships for that matter, is to make the most of it. I know it is cliche and simple, but (to add to the pattern) cliches exist for a reason!
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Administrative Assistant Intern

May 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

Easy

What I wish was different

More mentally engaging

Advice

Good job flexible hours
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Undergraduate Researcher

June - August 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

Freedom to design my experiment and go about the REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) as the head of my own project. It really gave me a good insight for what to expect in a career in research.

What I wish was different

Sometimes it felt like there wasn't enough structure, it was kind of hard to plan the whole experiment because I don't have as much knowledge or background.

Advice

Make sure to stay on top of everything, plans change and research can have many bumps along the road, so it's very easy to fall behind. Don't be afraid to seek help when you need it.
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Undergraduate Research Assistant

May - August 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

I had great co-workers and I learned a lot about qualitiative research

What I wish was different

Pullman isn't as exciting in the summer if you don't know what you're looking for!

Advice

Get out and about in the community! Pullman has a lot to offer in your free time. Also, being a researcher, you have to read a lot! Take good notes.
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Clerical Assistant

September 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

I think that working for a university is a very valuable experience as a student. I would highly recommend it!
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Research

June - August 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

Valuable experience in undergraduate research

What I wish was different

Wasn't the most predictable of schedules but still flexible

Advice

Take every opportunity to network with your surrounding peers
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Research Assistant

April - October 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

I learned a lot and it was very interesting!

What I wish was different

It was a bit boring most of the time

Advice

Enjoy your summers while you have them
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Independent researcher

May - August 2018 • Richland, WA

What I liked

Being able to work on my own research project while receiving grants to do so.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Fiscal Specialist

January 2016 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

The atmosphere and co workers.

What I wish was different

I wish that newer technologies were being used

Advice

Learn everything you can and be as helpful as possible.
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Lab Technician

May 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

Experiencing a new lab and getting to work a little more independently.

What I wish was different

I prefer to avoid working on the weekends, but sometimes experiments required coming in to finish them. This was due to time sensitivity.

Advice

If you want to go to graduate school or you're trying to apply to secondary school, always take the research opportunities. Many times publications will come out of the work experience, and the experience looks great on CVs.
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Grounds Caretaker

May - August 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

Being outside

What I wish was different

I wish it wasn't so hot in the summer.

Advice

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Intern

September 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

I enjoyed getting to see what research is like. It is cool to work with people who are passionate about their research. I also enjoyed getting the experience since it was on campus.

What I wish was different

That I could get internship credit for class. Since it was last minute I don't have enough time in my week to get 1 credits worth this semester.

Advice

I recommend people get on board and get involved in research.
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Senator

April - December 2017 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

I loved the education I learned in regards to the inner workings of student government. I love traveling and developing close bonds with fellow student government members. I loved the professional experience that I gained. In addition to being a senator, I was also the Student Involvement Chair where I facilitated weekly meetings, created multiple personally designed and led in-person and online events to enhance student engagement.

What I wish was different

Not much. It was a fantastic experience.

Advice

Be prepared to plan for and devote extra time and responsibilities to your studies.
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Career Peer Educator

August 2018 • Vancouver, WA

What I liked

Gaining more teaching experience, helping peers with building resumes

What I wish was different

n/a

Advice

Working while in school can be a challenge, but gaining experience for my resume is priceless and will pay in big dividends after graduation!
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Hourly Summer Assistant

May - August 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

My coworkers were the best part! It was really interesting getting to have hands on learning too.

What I wish was different

Nothing really! I've worked summers for Crop & Soil Sciences as well as the Plant Pathology department for over 5 years now, so I'm used to the kind of work required of me.

Advice

Being punctual is the most important thing, especially on days were you have to travel out of town. They can't afford to sit around waiting, so if you're significantly late they will leave without you.
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Construction Management Intern

May 2018 • Pullman, WA

What I liked

Flexible hours, good experience working for the owner. Network with many contractors

What I wish was different

More responsibilities

Advice

Never say no to any experience, take everything in and dont be afraid to try something new
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