On-campus jobs are great opportunities to get work experience while having a very short commute. I have worked as an admissions ambassador since the Spring of my sophomore year and have really enjoyed it. I feel like my managers understand that I’m a student first and are accommodating when things come up. I first became aware of this position because one of my really good friends was already working in the office, and when I saw the email from the admissions office that was sent out to the entire school saying they were hiring new ambassadors, I immediately applied. The application process was pretty easy, starting with filling out a form with prior experiences and answering questions as to why I was fit for this position. I received an email back to set up a time to interview with two of the Scripps admissions officers, and I was later offered the position, which I accepted and have done since. Prior to applying for this position, I’d never worked in an office. I’d worked in a restaurant and as a nanny, but I hadn’t had any professional experience. As an Admissions Ambassador, I have grown a lot by learning how to talk to students and parents, how professional office spaces work, and how to communicate with superiors in situations other than academics, which is where I was most comfortable. If you like talking to people about things you’re passionate about, maybe consider applying for the Admissions Ambassador job.
Because I’ve only ever worked in the admissions office, I decided to reach out to a few friends and have them answer some questions to give a broader understanding of on-campus jobs here at Scripps.
Kendra ‘25 – Bike Technician
•How did you find out about the position? What year did you start?
I found out by asking at the front desk at Tiernan. I started spring 2022 and ended at the end of the semester
•Why did you apply to this position?
It was the only position still hiring, and I was interested in working for Tiernan Field House [Scripps gym and wellness center].
•Did you have any previous experience with this role? How were you trained in your position?
No, I hadn’t had any experience being a bike tech, and I learned on the job.
•What do you like about your position?
I liked the hands-on aspect of the job and the fact that it was a manageable workload. Also, my coworkers were friendly and cool
•Anything else you want to share
Go green bikes!
Frances ‘25 – Customer Service Associate + Cashier + OWL leader
•How did you find out about the position? What year did you start?
I have had three jobs at Scripps. The first was a customer service associate at the Tiernan Field House, which is our gym. Then, I worked as a cashier at the spirit store. I was also a leader in the Outdoor Women’s Leadership group. I found the first two through online posts and the third through a friend.
•Why did you apply to this position?
For all of them, I applied online and had a quick interview. I chose to apply to be a CSA because my pre-orientation leader told me it was the easiest job on campus. I chose to apply for the Scripps Store because I was excited to get involved in starting it up post-COVID. I chose to be a part of OWL because they needed another student to go to Zion National Park. Also, I love the outdoors and hiking, so why not get paid for it.
•Did you have any previous experience with this role? How were you trained in your position?
I had basic customer service (fast food/restaurant) jobs before these, but for the most part, I was new to desk/reception. At TFH, I had to be trained in CPR (I already had Red Cross certification). There was basically no training for the Scripps Store. For OWL, I had to train for driving as a student driver with an online course.
•What do you like about your position?
I liked being able to do homework as a CSA at the field house. I liked chatting with my coworkers and the monthly inventory shifts at the Scripps store. I loved leading our Zion trip for OWL. We got to plan hikes, stay in an Airbnb, and plan all of our night events. It was very fun (and great to get paid while having fun).
Soleil ‘24 – Motley Coffeehouse Barista
•How did you find out about the position? What year did you start?
Found out about it in the spring of sophomore year but was not interested in working then. Started fall of junior year (2022)
•Why did you apply to this position?
Applied to the Motley because I like tea and wanted a job that would give me a break from academics. I didn’t want a job where I would feel pressured to do homework, I wanted a break.
•Did you have any previous experience with this role? How were you trained in your position?
I had no previous barista experience, but I had worked in customer service positions for many years. I was trained on how to use the equipment and how to take orders. The training was over the course of a few hours, with a check-in about a month or two later.
•What do you like about your position?
I like my coworkers and the nature of the work. Keeps me on my feet and gives me a break from academics. I also get some perks as a barista, I get a free drink on shift and 50% off one drink per day!
•Anything else you want to share
I feel lucky to have my job, the barista application process can be very rough. This semester, I believe about 40 people applied, and only 5 or 10 of them were hired. I appreciate how anyone can work at the motley, but preference is given to work-study students
Nana ‘26 – Admission Ambassador + Public Events Intern
•How did you find out about the position? What year did you start?
I normally find positions through handshake and friends
•Why did you apply to this position?
They are normally pleasure and easygoing engagement and passion since the wages are the same
•Did you have any previous experience with this role? How were you trained in your position?
No experience- training sessions from superiors and initial shadowing
•What do you like about your position?
My coworkers!
Louisa ‘24 – Hive Associate
•Why did you apply to this position?
I think anyone who has visited the Hive knows how cool of a place it is. I felt like it was a place that combined a lot of personal interests and academics for me. The Hive is very much a place where I feel comfortable and like I belong.
•Did you have any previous experience with this role? How were you trained in your position?
I did not have any experience. However, despite not having any specific woodworking skills, as an art student, I’m used to quickly learning and using new mediums and tools, so I think that helped. Our toolbox postbacc- shoutout to Hunter- taught the two other toolbox student staffers and me the tools when we first started.
• What do you like about your position?
See above
•Anything else you want to share
Come visit anytime!!