As incoming students learn about UCLA this summer during orientation, one aspect of campus life they will not be looking forward to is student fees.
And with the knowledge that the University of California’s fees are on the rise, more and more students will be looking for jobs.
There are a variety of on-campus jobs available, including food services and clerical positions, but many students will wonder what job is right for them.
Associated Students of UCLA is one of the campus’ largest student employers, with positions available all over campus.
“When I was looking for a job, the first place I went was the ASUCLA bulletin board with job postings,” said Cindy Tamae, a third-year microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics student.
Later that quarter, Tamae got a position working as a cook and server at the Bombshelter.
“I was basically the chief tostada frier – or at least that’s what I called myself ... I was there during lunchtime serving food and in the morning for prep,” Tamae said.
The probability of getting a job on campus varies from position to position, and Tamae said that the Bombshelter is almost always willing to hire new employees.
“The work is sometimes laborious. But it’s a good college job because they understand when you have to take time off to study,” Tamae said.
Most food service jobs require that students constantly move around to serve the customers, and this is a major consideration for students.
“When I applied to work at the Kerckhoff Coffeehouse they told me that it’s one-on-one customer service. You deal with one person at a time and you have to know everything,” said Emily Finzen, a second-year biology student.
For Finzen and others, food services job such as the Kerckhoff Coffeehouse may require a lot of physical activity but they also offer a fun and interactive environment.
“I really like the atmosphere at Kerckhoff and that’s why I wanted to work there,” Finzen said.
But Finzen never accepted a position at the coffeehouse because availability was an issue.
“Since Kerckhoff opens at 6 a.m. in the morning and closes 10 p.m. at night ... I just didn’t want to work those hours,” Finzen said.
In contrast to the fast-paced nature of food service jobs, there are positions at the libraries and residence halls that are more low-key, student employees say.
“If you work at the libraries you can study on the job, which is a huge benefit,” Finzen said.
Elizabeth Wong, a second-year cognitive science student worked at the Charles E. Young Research Library stacking and checking out books.
“It’s definitely a good student job because they’re really understanding about midterms and finals,” Wong said.
Many students say that a great benefit to any ASUCLA job is the 20 percent discount they get at ASUCLA stores.
But the ASUCLA jobs may not be the right choice for some students, in which case many other campus jobs are available.
In addition to the jobs offered by ASUCLA, students can also find positions at the James West Alumni Center and with private employers on campus.
“I took this honors collegium class. At the end of the class the professor recruited students to work in his lab. … It was a really lucky break for me,” Tamae said.
Tamae quit her job at the Bombshelter and began working in the lab where she received $10 an hour, after working for free two quarters.
“It was a lot better than the Bomb-shelter mainly because I gained valuable lab experience.” Tamae said.
Luck plays a large role in landing a great job that pays well, Tamae added, also saying that she has many friends who applied for lab jobs but were not accepted.
“You just have to make opportunities for yourself by asking around and letting people know that you’re looking for a job,” Tamae said.