My Student Employment at ITS: Where Tech Meets Fun
Agnes Boahen talks about her student job with ITS
Agnes Boahen talks about her student job with ITS
Welcome to ITS!
Sometimes, all it takes to solve a problem is just asking. I’m excited to share my experience at Carleton’s Information Technology Services (ITS)—a vibrant hub dedicated to finding answers!
How I Got The Job
A few months before moving to campus, I had the option to fill out an interest form on the Carleton student employment website. This form would help match me with the “perfect” job for me if I answered some short questions about myself, or I could browse the job postings and apply for positions that caught my eye. Curious about which route I took? Don’t worry—I chose the first option! I decided to trust Carleton to connect me with the right opportunity. As an international student, I had a lot on my plate with planning my big transition. So, letting Carleton take the lead felt like a blessing.
For me, getting a campus job was part of my financial aid package, but that’s not the case for most Carleton students. A significant number of my fellow Carls work on campus not just out of necessity, but because they want to gain experience and earn a little extra cash—not just relying on their parents’ support. I believe working here isn’t just about the money; it’s also a chance to connect with the campus community, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships. Whether it’s for financial reasons or personal growth, having a job at Carleton opens up a world of opportunities for everyone involved!
Conflict Between Thoughts and Reality
By the time I arrived, I was thrilled to know I’d be working in a place where students come for help with their tech problems. The thought of being part of a team that supports my fellow students was really exciting! After all, what’s the meaning of life if you can’t help anyone – not even yourself?
But then, the nerves kicked in. I started asking myself all the possible “what ifs”. What if I didn’t know anything? What if I just ended up fetching coffee like those interns with mean bosses in movies?
Those thoughts were a bit scary but there was only a way to find out.
Starting Out
When I finally got to the office, all my intimidating “what ifs” vanished. The team organized fantastic training sessions that covered everything from communication skills to hands-on tech fixes. They made sure I felt ready to tackle any situation. On my first day at the Helpdesk, I sat behind the glass, heart racing, but eager to help. With limited knowledge, I jumped right in, and to my surprise, it felt great!
Growing And Learning Each Day
Now, I’ve been here for weeks yet each day is a chance to learn something new. One of the best parts of working at ITS is the supportive atmosphere. The staff love to teach, and they’re always willing to help you grow.
I started at the Helpdesk, where I answered questions and helped troubleshoot issues. But I wanted more hands-on experience, so I expressed my interest in tech repairs. Thankfully, they arranged for me to join the Drop-off Centre (DOC) for practical training. Now, I’m actually fixing devices and learning the ins and outs of tech repairs, which feel amazing!
Join Us at ITS!
If you’re facing tech troubles, come visit me and the awesome staff and CarlTechs! We’re here to help with anything from tricky laptop issues to navigating campus tech. At ITS, we believe getting help should be fun and feasible. So, if you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to stop by. Let’s work together to turn your tech headaches into solutions, and maybe even share a laugh while we’re at it!
Agnes (she/her) comes from Ghana. While it might seem like a faraway land, the strong sense of community, the incredibly kind people, and the enormous number of trees at Carleton make her feel at home. Her love for science stems from her fascination with nature, as science finds an interesting way to explain the natural world. She is a member of the FOCUS Program. When she’s not writing, dancing, or singing behind closed doors, you can probably find her engaged in conversation somewhere. She likes to spend time researching medical school and life beyond; that should tell you about her great interest in pre-med. While she continues to explore her interests, she has discovered a great interest for Biology, Chemistry, and CAMS classes at Carleton.