Office: Dining Services
Position: Student Manager
Major: American Studies
What do you do as a Student Manager?
I help prepare the dining halls for service and then assist in making sure the meal runs smoothly for those working, as well as those who are dining with us. To begin, the student workers and I stock and clean the dining area. Throughout the shift I keep everything stocked, lend a helping hand where one is needed, and make sure to answer any questions people may have.
How did you get your position?
I worked as a student worker my first year at Carleton, then after applying was offered the position as a student manager.
What new skills have you acquired?
I have acquired better communication skills by continuing my work study in the dining halls. Communication is so important in the dining hall for safety reasons, but I also learned how important it is to ask questions. Asking questions of all the other Bon Appétit employees and other student managers allows the shift to be the most efficient and safe.
How will your student employment experience help you in your future?
Working as a student manager has allowed to me to have a more defined leadership role. The staff depends on me to make sure the student workers know what is expected of them. From this I’ve learned how to delegate work and how to lead by example.
What type of person do you feel is best suited for this position?
For the student manager position, the person for the position is someone who is committed and enthusiastic. There are days when a shift can seem never-ending, but those often can be the most rewarding, because you got through it and fed all the students. Enthusiasm is needed to keep student workers excited to come to work. Making work fun through your enthusiasm and passion motivates students to have the attitude while serving.
What do you like best about your student employment position?
The best part of my job as a student manager is working with all of the Bon Appétit staff. It’s nice to talk to people who are not college students. They genuinely enjoy getting to know you as well, and when you make that connection work becomes more fun. You can look forward to catching up the staff, and it has made me open to trying more dishes, because I know how much effort they put into the food.