The students helping TU’s campus run smoothly
Five student employees on how they snagged on-campus jobs—and how it’s helping propel their future careers
For many students at TU, on-campus jobs are more than a source of income; they’re a way to explore and launch future careers. More than 3,800 TU student employees use campus jobs to sharpen their skills, explore their passions and prepare for the professional world. Read on for how five student employees are helping TU’s campus run smoothly—and gaining valuable skills along the way.
Creating Social Content
As a social media content creator, Dan Forson ’27 has become a familiar face and voice on TU’s , and accounts. He works alongside TU assistant director of social media Lauren Bottaro to create content, engage with followers and capture student life on campus.
“It’s hard to represent such a big, dynamic campus on multiple social platforms by myself,” Bottaro says. “Students help us cover more ground, and Dan brings a fresh, student-forward perspective that adds dimension to our content.”
Forson sees it is a stepping stone toward a future career in media.
This role gives me a front-row seat to what a career in media looks like. I love getting out to events and connecting with students face-to-face.
Dan Forson '27, social media content creator
Capturing Campus Life
Student photographer Kendle Weaver ’26 is using her campus job to build her future. As a student photographer, she assists in setting up campus photo shoots, operating lighting equipment and capturing images of people, programs and events that the two-person photo staff couldn’t otherwise cover. Since starting this summer, she’s gotten experience ranging from studio portraits to game-day action photos. Weaver got the role by applying early through Handshake and encourages fellow students to follow up with departments directly.
"Networking is everything," Weaver says. "Don’t be afraid to reach out to the offices you want to work with."
Fueling Fitness & Adventure
As manager of Outdoor Adventures, Darrel Abang ’25 oversees the center's daily operations and private group programs, ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for all participants. She hands out equipment, uses belaying techniques to help rock climbers traverse TU's walls, and educates student on how to safely use Outdoor Adventures' range of equipment. Known for going the extra mile, she uses her creativity to build communal activities and events that foster meaningful connections among participants. When it comes to finding an on-campus role, Abang encourages students to follow their interests.
Get involved. That’s how I found my job—by showing up and connecting.
Darrel Abang '25, manager of Outdoor Adventures
Supplying Students With Basic Needs
Nelida Lewis ’25 has spent the past three years working in TU’s Basic Needs Hub, which ensures all TU students have access to the basic food, clothing and hygiene products needed to fuel their education. Lewis says the role has prepared her well for a future career in social work, and her supervisor, Basic Needs Coordinator Faith Borras, says she's consistently exceeded expectations by forging connections across campus.
“Nelida is a true leader and role model,” Borras says. “She’s created partnerships and provided service with empathy and professionalism every step of the way.”
This position has laid a strong foundation for my work as a future family and human services worker, where understanding and supporting individuals through life's challenges is key to creating lasting change.
Nelida Lewis '25, student employee at TU's Basic Needs Hub
Bridging Borders, Building Futures
For Eliza Petrova ’25, her role as a global ambassador for the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) is personal. Originally from Russia, Petrova attended ISSO events when she first arrived at TU and they helped her successfully transition to life on campus. Now, she pays it forward by mentoring international students, helping plan events to foster community and connection, and supporting students who call, email or visit ISSO's office.
Petrova says the communication, organization and people skills she’s gained through her role in the ISSO will serve her well after graduation.
This job has helped me grow as a professional and shaped me more than I expected. It’s rewarding to be someone students can count on.
Eliza Petrova '25, ISSO global ambassador
Celebrating Student Employees
TU is celebrating National Student Employment Week from April 14 to 18, 2025. All student employees can enter a .
Find on-campus jobs
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