Arden Boice

Job: Education Assistant, Birch Aquarium

Describe the impact that student employment has had on your overall college experience.

Student employment allowed me to connect with parts of the campus I probably wouldn't have connected with otherwise. Specifically at the Birch Aquarium, working there opened up a social circle and access to resources that I found very helpful.

What skills and/or competencies have you developed in your student employment job that you were able to capture on your resume?

One of my proudest skills is being able to communicate recent findings in science and other complicated concepts in research to general audiences. Making scientific research accessible to the public is extremely critical in gaining public interest and support to continue research. Now, more than ever, I consider that one of the strongest tools in my toolbox. 

What tips or advice do you have to share with other students on how to get the most out of their student employment experience?

Look for the jobs that align with your career path. For me, that was finding a science education job at the aquarium, but it may look less obvious. Finding some job that gets you in front of the people doing what your aiming to do will give you the opportunity to talk and network with them, and that is super fulfilling. Also, as a student who sought out employment as a necessity through college, it's really important to feel proud of that balance. College is hard, and working in the background can feel overwhelming, but figuring out how to balance/manage that is a great skill that will only push you forward. 

How might you apply your student employment experience and the skills gained during your time at UC San Diego to your professional career?

My experience in education at the aquarium has definitely given me the passion for making science accessible to all. I have loved talking to guests of all ages about the current research being done and what it means for themselves, our society, and our world. I hope that as I continue in the field of scientific research I can continue incorporating education and public engagement into what I do.