Learning to lead with the help of University Dining Services
The Office of Student Life is always looking to give students a way to earn money while balancing coursework and their life around campus. We sat down with Sammie Haney, a fourth-year student and Student Community Manager for Dining Services to hear a bit more about her Ohio State (and work) experience.
What are you studying?
I am studying Respiratory Therapy through the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
What encouraged you to join the Dining Services team?
During my freshman year, I was in search of a job and lived on South campus, where I saw a bunch of advertisements for Dining Services. When I applied, I received interviews for the Ohio Union, Kennedy Common and Marketplace on Neil. From there I chose to work at the Marketplace and the rest is history!
You now work as a Student Community Manager for Dining Services. Can you walk us through how you got to this role?
I had been working for the Marketplace for about three semesters and was promoted to Student Lead. I knew I wanted to continue working at Marketplace and decided it could be a great way to gain leadership experience. Though I planned on waiting another semester to gain a bit more experience as a lead before progressing, I had a few current Student Managers approach me about applying for the upcoming semester. They each felt I was more than ready, so I went ahead and applied and was promoted. I had to complete a checklist, shadow current Student Managers and complete another interview, but I ultimately made it! Not only did I get promoted to Student Manager, but I became Marketplace’s fist Student Community Manager.
What is your favorite part about working with Dining Services?
While I don’t mind working with food, it is by no means my favorite part of working with the Marketplace on Neil. What I truly enjoy is the friendships I have made with my coworkers. Without this job, I would never have met some of the people that I now consider some of my best friends. Not only that, but as a Student Community Manager, I get the opportunity to help cultivate relationships with the rest of my coworkers and help to make their experience as great as my own has been. I love being able to get other people to appreciate Marketplace as much as I do.
What skills have you developed while working at Marketplace that could not be learned in a classroom?
Working with Dining Services has been extremely valuable when it comes to leadership, time management and interpersonal skills. Learning to direct a team is essential in today’s day and age and it was difficult at first. After three years, I think I finally have a pretty good handle on it. The same can be said for time management and interpersonal skills, because without both of these I would never be able to do my job. When I enter the workforce as a Respiratory Therapist, I will be able to translate the skills I have learned here to excel in my career.
I have spent 3 years with both Dining Services and the Marketplace on Neil and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
The Office of Student Life’s Dining Services Team is hiring now! Apply to work at one of the many campus locations by visiting the Dining Services website.
