Perspectives of working at ASUCLA

ASUCLA social media content creator, Jan

Labor Day is all about celebrating the people who keep our communities running — and here at ASUCLA, that means our amazing student workers and career staff. From ASUCLA Restaurants and the UCLA Store to event and campus services, they are at the heart of the Association. In honor of Labor Day, we are highlighting student and staff perspectives and personal stories of working at ASUCLA!

Day in the life (DITL) with Jan: ASUCLA social media content creator

For Jan, being a content creator at ASUCLA is all about keeping things fresh and fun. “I absolutely love my job as an ASUCLA content creator! Every day looks different, so I never have a set schedule,” she explains. “Sometimes I’ll be working on Instagram graphics, shooting photoshoots or out interviewing other students.”

That variety is one of her favorite parts of the role. “It gives me the freedom to express myself creatively,” Jan says. “It really does feel like the sky is the limit in what I can design and post.”

Her work doesn’t just stay behind the camera or the computer — it often connects her directly with the UCLA community. “Some fun moments include getting recognized by other students and getting to try all the food around campus,” she shares.

Whether she’s creating content, spotlighting student voices or helping showcase ASUCLA’s many services, Jan’s creativity brings energy and personality to the Association’s digital presence.

DITL with Jose: buyer/division manager, UCLA Store Market

For Jose, no two days look the same. As buyer and division manager for the UCLA Store Market, his role takes him across campus — from Ackerman Union to North Campus Shop, Hill Top Shop and South Campus Shop.

“A typical day finds me all over the campus,” he explains. “I come in and head to the other stores to check in with them and see what needs to be addressed. When I come back, meetings both in person and virtually play a part in my typical day.”

Those meetings include everything from connecting with vendors and customers to getting the financial side in order — “invoicing, price negotiation, credit  and placing orders for products,” Jose said. He also makes sure to support his staff, analyze sales data and collaborate with the ASUCLA Marketing team on promotions.

Even with such a full plate, Jose’s favorite part of the job is clear: “The people — staff and students. It is always interesting to see how different perspectives can come together, and being able to mentor several generations of students has been quite rewarding.”

What many people might not realize is just how much product moves through the UCLA Store Market on a daily basis. “On any given day, a typical number of units moved for BearWear is a little over 1,000. For the Market it is over 7,000, all of which have to be ordered, invoiced and stocked very frequently. It is pretty non-stop.”

Amid the constant activity, there are moments Jose is especially proud of. One that stands out: “Getting CalFresh up and running. That is pretty rewarding.” To implement CalFresh, Jose and his team worked with campus partners, such as the UCLA Community Programs Office and the UCLA Basic Needs Committee, to undergo rigorous payment testing to operationalize the program in the UCLA Store. 

From overseeing daily operations to building programs that support the UCLA community, Jose’s work helps keep the UCLA Store running strong. His story is a reminder of the dedication and heart that goes into every corner of ASUCLA.

Thank you ASUCLA workers!

We’re grateful for the students and staff who contribute to the ASUCLA community. From running our stores and markets to sharing creativity online, their hard work keeps campus life thriving. Here’s to celebrating them today — and all year long! 

Interested in working for ASUCLA? Check out the ASUCLA Job Fair on Sept. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students have the opportunity to explore ASUCLA departments, connect with hiring managers and learn about available positions. To look at open ASUCLA jobs online, click the link below.