It pays, literally, to read the outdoor electronic BMU marquee!  Larissa was looking for a campus job and glanced up at the marquee just in time to see an announcement about an Info Center Desk Attendant job.  It was the final day for applications and the rest is history. She applied, was hired, and has been working at the Info Center for two and a half years.

My job is to be the secretary for the campus Larissa knows that she and her Info Center co-workers are often the first contact people have with the Chico State campus, so being patient and being a good listener are critical to providing good customer service.   The Info Center serves a huge population, not just Chico State students.  "We have everyone from K-12 students to senior citizens visiting on campus." Student organizations often work with Info Center staff to reserve mall tables and rent the marquee for advertising.  Postage, faxing, and copy services are also offered as part of their customer service.  "We even act as food critics because people often ask us where to eat! The weirdest phone call I ever got was from a student asking for medical advice because his mother wasn't available at the time."

Larissa's favorite part of her job is obvious. "I love my co-workers.  They're the best group of people I've ever worked with.  We're a perfect blend.  I consider them family and I know if I need anything, they'll be there for me.  Plus, we all love Chico so much, and it's our job to convey how great it is and to be sure everyone has a positive experience."

Larissa had an internship at a hospital where all the skills she has learned at the Info Center were put to good use. She is more confident in her communication skills and her overall level of professionalism.  Larissa plans to pursue her masters in speech pathology, and would ultimately like to work with patients in a hospital setting.

In Larissa's words:
I love talking to people and that's my job.  I don't consider it work.  I'm always upbeat and have a positive attitude.  I actually smile when I'm talking on the phone.  I think people can sense that.