My name is Camila, and I’m a second-year student at UCLA studying psychology and political science. I’m originally from Mexico City, Mexico, but my hometown is Murrieta, California. Before I discuss my on-campus job journey, I want to take a quick moment to explain why I chose the institution. Like many Bruins, UCLA was my dream school for as long as I could remember. So, when I received my acceptance letter, it truly was a dream come true. From the moment I stepped onto campus on Bruin Day, which is a day for admitted students to celebrate their UCLA admission, I fell in love with the campus, unified school culture, and the endless academic and career-based opportunities the university offers. I instantly knew I wanted to attend UCLA and make my experience rewarding and memorable.  

At the start of my first year, I began planning to get an on-campus job because it would be another way to make my time as a Bruin fulfilling. There are various reasons why students aim to work while studying, and there are multiple incentives to get a job, specifically on campus. In addition to developing my Bruin experience, I was seeking to get a job at UCLA due to the on-campus jobs’ walking proximity and flexible work hours with classes and extracurriculars.  

UCLA offers a variety of jobs for students, and there is something for everyone. UCLA Career Center is continuously supplying information about on-campus jobs, which makes the job search much easier. ASUCLA, which is the university’s student union, also displays the current student hiring openings on their website. Additionally, students can apply for on-campus jobs that offer Work Study. Work Study is a financial aid program that subsidizes eligible students’ wages, which helps them pay for tuition and other expenses while at UCLA. From working in UCLA cafés to being a part of UCLA Recreation, each on-campus job offers unique leadership, developmental, and, of course, financial opportunities.  

I consider myself outgoing, thorough, and team-oriented. So, I began seeking jobs that matched my abilities and interests. After searching for on-campus jobs, my New Student Advisor, who was helping me prepare for Winter Quarter classes, told me about a job called the Bruin Ambassador Program (BAP) within UCLA Undergraduate Admission. I was instantly intrigued when she told me that BAP consists of giving presentations to prospective students, going to high schools and college fairs to discuss all UCLA has to offer, and having amazing co-workers. I knew this was the perfect job for me. When BAP began recruiting new student-workers, I attended one of their information sessions. I quickly fell in love with the passion every Bruin Ambassador had about spreading information about UCLA and higher education in general. So, I applied. After two rounds of interviews, I anxiously waited to know if I was going to be hired. And once I got the email congratulating me on becoming a Bruin Ambassador, my first year at UCLA became a hundred times better.   

I have been a Bruin Ambassador for nearly a year, and though it is a fantastic job, it is much more than that. BAP gives me so much fulfillment and joy every time I teach high school students about the higher education chances that await them. I also smile from ear to ear when I give presentations about UCLA and my experience as a student to families visiting the school. In addition to the work-based aspects, I have made amazing friends within BAP. We’re a unified team that helps and supports each other. My on-campus job is more like an on-campus dream. 

Therefore, if any prospective and future Bruins are interested in becoming student-workers while attending UCLA, I certainly recommend looking for on-campus jobs. Some of you may be more interested in other on-campus sectors, such as in IT or Housing. Whatever you’re drawn to, I can assure you that you will find a job that is right for you. That is one of the many reasons why UCLA is so special to me: There is always something for everyone. There are endless opportunities to find an on-campus job, just as there are various chances to make your experience at UCLA the best it can be.  

I wish you all the best on your job-seeking journeys. Go Bruins!