Student Employee: Abby Cozart
Abby Cozart, a Fall 2019 graduate with degree in genetics and history, has been promoted twice as an NC State employee with Rave! Events.
Initially, Abby was drawn to the idea of having a job on campus because she knew an NC State supervisor would be accommodating to her class schedule. She waited a couple of semesters before applying for her position because she wanted to adjust to the academic strain of college before taking on more responsibility.
“I applied to work with Campus Enterprises because I wanted to be employed in a team-based environment where I could work alongside many different kinds of people and make friends concurrently,” she recalled.
Abby is employed as a lead waitstaff for Rave but mentioned that she has been promoted within Campus Enterprises twice.
“When I am assigned to an event alone, I manage the food set up, service and cleanup of the event,” Abby said. “When I work with a larger group, I contribute to the same tasks while also teaching and directing newer employees.”
She said she earned her promotions by sticking with her job and being able to work specific events. Each promotion has resulted in her taking on more tasks and responsibilities.
“I am expected to run more complex events on my own or with others and in locations that required more developed customer-service skills,” she mentioned. “They also required me to have specific knowledge of advanced catering skills, like serving individuals directly and taking catering orders at football games.”
When asked how Abby balances both school and work, her solution was simple. Buying a planner was the easiest way for her to stay organized with her assignments and manage her work schedule.
“Many people don’t realize that they can easily work the two together with a little planning,” she said. “Being employed in this kind of role can be daunting to some due to the event-based schedule, but as long as you’re keeping track of your school and life responsibilities ahead of time and communicating your availability to your supervisors, it’s really simple.”
One of the most challenging obstacles Abby overcame was taking on a leadership position. With her last promotion, the responsibility of training and leading was something she never anticipated. Abby said she was not confident at first and did not want to come across bossy to those working under her.
“To help me handle my stress over with leading, one of my coordinators suggested I take part in the Leadership Intensive workshop series offered by Campus Enterprises,” she said. “I learned a lot of skills to help me effectively guide newer coworkers and gain insight into my personal strengths as a leader.”
Abby recommends working on campus, mentioning that the opportunities to meet new people and grow are priceless.
“My advice is to take advantage of the many benefits offered by Campus Enterprises and get employed early on in your college career so you’ll have plenty of time to advance in your position,” she said.
As a Fall 2019 graduate, Abby will now be working full-time in a research lab until next August. She plans on attending graduate school with a major in immunology but has not yet decided which school she will attend.
- College:
College of Sciences - Major/minor:
Genetics/History - Hometown:
Wilmington, NC - Clubs/Student Involvement:
Genetics club, Women in Science and Engineering - Work Department:
Rave! Events
