Hi! My name is Madi Krein, and I work at the University Center as a UC Live Special Events Intern in the Student Activities & Involvement unit. This semester, I am a junior studying Marketing with an emphasis in Digital and Artificial Intelligence. Outside of the office, I enjoy being with my nieces and doing photography for my family. I am a big family person and spend as much time as I can with them. I have fun reading different romance books, and currently I am reading the Done and Dusted series. Most of the time, you can find me in the UC working or in Hyland studying. I like to be active on campus when I’m not working.

Tell us a little bit about your department.
Working in Student Activities & Involvement has let me become more aware of everything going on in the University, from the clubs to the organizations. Everyone who works for this unit is very hardworking and cares for other people. The supervisors are all helpful when you ask questions and are willing to help as soon as they can. It is an honor to work alongside everyone at SAI and become part of this family.

What does an average day look like working for the UC? What does your position entail?
While working at UC Live as a Special Events Intern, I start by saying hi to anyone who is in the office. Then I take a look at the work email and catch up on emails from when I last worked. Once I am done with that, I check my to-do list and spreadsheets to figure out my best course of action. Most of the time, it includes figuring out logistics for my upcoming event or figuring out what to buy for that event. I decide on things from promotional materials and prizes to catering at the event. I also occasionally contact agencies to discuss the contract we have with them. Every now and then, I have a meeting with my supervisor to discuss the details of my event and what I can do with it. With planning events all the way through, it is important that I have other people look at my ideas and make sure they are doable.

Why should students visit the UC?
The UC has helped many students feel more welcome. As the heart of the campus, everyone who works here can assist you in many ways. The UC is home to food and constant events. Whether you are looking to study, hang out with friends, or see a comedian, the UC has what you are looking for. If you are looking for people to go to events with, come to one, and you will find people willing to go to more with you.

How will your position at the UC help you in your future career?
My goal outside of college is to work with an event planning company to make dreams a reality. Since I plan for the University events already, I am gaining the skills I need to do this for a full-time job. Skills like networking with different companies and agencies, time management, communication, and organization are all important for event planning. 

Coming into this job, I was scared about what I lacked and needed to succeed, but I found my path, and I love what I do; it makes me sure of my choice after college.

Explain a little about the connections you have made working in the UC.
While working at the UC, I have found some of my closest friends who started as coworkers. It has helped me build my network throughout SAI and the UC. I would not have known as many people if I had decided not to work at the UC. I have been able to find students who share hobbies with me, as well as people I can rely on if needed. As they are also student workers, we can understand each other a little more when it comes to balancing everything.

How do you balance school, work, extracurricular activities, and a social life?
I try to separate and designate when to put on what hat. I tend to leave work at work and not think about it when I clock out. Doing this helps me focus on homework when I am not working or in class. I try to set aside a couple of hours each day to focus on homework alone. When doing this, I like to keep a checklist of what I need to complete throughout the week, and that helps me focus on one thing at a time.