Calvin University

Fredrick Meijer Research Assistant

July - August 2020 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The opportunity to research in a "real-world" setting and not just the classroom. I got to learn diligence and patience while looking for findings. I enjoyed the amount of concentration the work took, it was engaging.

What I wish was different

I wish it had been in-person and that I had worked as a research assistant for longer.

Advice

It may feel like you are reaching numerous dead-ends, but these are not the case. Your work and hours put into looking are yielding results, and results that can impact history.

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Catering Server

June - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The friendliness of the staff

What I wish was different

Switching roles once in a while so one person is not stuck doing one thing

Advice

Be flexible

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Calvin Career Center Ambassador

May - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I loved being able to develop and grow in so many applicable facets of life. I was able to work on hands-on projects and express my ideas to the office with relative freedom on how to present them. I grew so close with my coworkers and developed a professional and personal relationship with them which was something that was so valuable because I loved going to work every day not only because of the value of my actual work but also getting to talk and bounce ideas off of some pretty amazing people. I was helping others and also growing in my own professional development which is so valuable to me.

What I wish was different

I wish that I would have been able to have more time moving around doing presentations or something involving being on my feet aka not being at the desk most of the time.

Advice

I would recommend working at the career center or at least using their plethora of resources, to anyone. If you have the opportunity to take an unexpected position or something that wasn't necessarily planned, do not shut it down right away because you never know how valuable that experience could be despite your preconceived judgments.

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Library Assistant

February 2017 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Keep applying to this job, because sometimes applications that don't make it through on the first go-round can get more serious application on re-application.

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Summer Researcher

June - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I had the opportunity to conduct research in my field of study. I am interested in attending graduate school, so this gave me a peak into what upper level mathematics research can look like.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Research Assistant

May - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I liked that I had hands on experience learning how to be more comfortable in the lab.

What I wish was different

I wish that there had been a little more guidance with how to do specific tasks.

Advice

I would recommend putting in time outside of research to get comfortable with concepts you’re studying.

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Summer Researcher

May - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I loved the organic chemistry research experience, being independent, and the high level for undergraduates

What I wish was different

I wish it could go the whole summer or pay more (not have every summer researcher be paid the same)

Advice

It was a great experience, I would definitely recommend here or just doing research anywhere

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Head Custodian

May - September 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The stable work hours

What I wish was different

Higher pay

Advice

It's a good job for earning money, but it's not very impressive on a resume

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HelpDesk Technician

August 2016 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

Free coffee

What I wish was different

Advice

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Summer Desk Receptionist

May - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

Flexible schedule, very relaxed environment which allowed for multi-tasking (working on homework or other work).

What I wish was different

More hours!

Advice

It's a really great and easy job that looks good on a resume.

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Assistant producer

September 2017 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The learning and experience I gained!

What I wish was different

Less sitting

Advice

Ask a lot of questions

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Research Assistant

May - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

Independence, learning experience, good workplace environment

What I wish was different

Advice

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Resident assistant

May 1999 - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The lunch in the afternoon

What I wish was different

Too much standing

Advice

It’s great for summer times

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Library Research Assistant

March 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I love being able to work in a library, it's a fantastic environment dedicated to growth and learning and the other people who work here are warm and kind. It's a privilege to be able to work a job that feels as though I'm actually contributing to a community and making a difference (even if it's only a small one).

What I wish was different

I honestly just wish I had been able to work more hours over the summer, but I understand that the university could only afford to hire me part-time.

Advice

Academic libraries exist to help not only the students of the institution, but anyone who walks through the library doors. Always take advantage of and support your library, the work that they do is so valuable.

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Grounds Crew Lead

May - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I liked working outside, and the physical labor was satisfying.

What I wish was different

The job started really early, and while it was nice to get out earlier in the afternoon, waking up early was very hard.

Advice

Make the most of it, it's a great job if you have a good attitude.

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student researcher

June - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

The community and experience of research. It is different diving I to a problem that no one has solved.

What I wish was different

It might have been nice to be part of a team

Advice

This type of work is definitely worth doing

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Orientation Programming Intern

February - September 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

I was able to develop my strengths in organization and teamwork as well as help mentor orientation leaders.

What I wish was different

Advice

It's about what you make out of it! There's so much you can learn by putting yourself outside of your comfort zone and to take a chance to really get to know people different from you.

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Calvin Research Fellow

May - August 2019 • Grand Rapids, MI

What I liked

Learned an incredible amount about the research process and Grad school. It was an integral experience in developing an understanding of career choices.