Nazanin Zaer
Student Manager
SHaW (Student Health and Wellness)
How did you find your position? What was the process like from application to the offer stage? Please detail your experience.
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What made you apply for your position?
I wanted to be closer with the nurses and student workers, because as a student manager, you work closely with both groups. I also envisioned a lot of additions to SHaW, which would allow student workers to become closer with providers. We have since added a nurse and student mentorship program. I am also very interested in patient care, and wanted to make sure all students coming into SHaW feel comfortable with student workers. I have led a study on international student experiences at SHaW, hoping to eliminate any barriers international students face to make SHaW a more welcoming place for all.
How have you been able to balance your schoolwork and work responsibilities? Please provide details of any challenges or hurdles you have encountered.
When I was studying for the MCAT, I felt very overwhelmed over classes and work. Fortunately, the nurses at SHaW are very understanding and supportive of our education and mental health, and we were able to come up with a schedule that gave me ample studying time. I was able to switch to evening shifts and decrease my on-call time, letting me prioritize school. Once my schedule became more manageable, I was able to return to day shifts, which are much busier. I have the same shifts every week, and I have them match either the MWF or T/TH class schedules, so it becomes routine.
What are your personal keys to success and what aspects of your job do you find the most fulfilling?
I love knowing every student worker, nurse, and provider at SHaW. It is great getting to talk to everyone about more than just work and school, but fun things like food, activities, and travel. These conversations are what create stronger bonds and a positive work environment. I also love when we do hiring onboarding, because I get to train new students in the role I have worked for the past four years. It is a lot of fun being on the other side and teaching. It also reminds me of how little I knew when I began, and how much I’ve learned. Mentoring new hires is fulfilling because it feels like passing the baton to the next group. I believe listening to all students, sharing my own personal experiences, and keeping a smile on my face are the keys to my success as a Student Manager.
Describe your typical day at work?
2-3 days a week, I am “on-call”, where I check the schedule for any gaps, call the nurses with updates, check the email, and cover if there is a gap in our evening or overnight shift. Twice a week, I also host office hours, where I host make-up training sessions or meetings, meet with students who have questions or concerns, and work on our admin tasks. I also have my own shifts, where I work with nurses and provider to help with flow at SHaW, disinfecting examination rooms, doing point of care testing and vitals, restocking, and managing phones. Once a week, we have manager meetings with our nurse supervisors to determine our goals for the week.
What skills have you acquired or developed in your on-campus job?
SHaW has supported my interpersonal communication and teamwork, as I work with the nurse supervisors and other student managers, so we have to delegate tasks and help one another out with making decisions and communicating with all student workers. I have learned to use various communication methods to best fit the needs of different student workers.
