Working at Macmillan, a “Big Five” publishing house, Davina Tomlin ’20, MSC ’21, has been able to play a role in responding to book bans, sharing diverse stories, and tangibly contributing to the literary world.

As the executive director of EforAll Greater Worcester, a branch of a national nonprofit that assists underrepresented individuals to successfully start and grow a business, Jose Castro ’22 infuses and entrepreneurial spirit into every community he reaches.

Their jobs may be different, but Tomlin and Castro both have built the foundation of their professional skills as student workers at Clark.

Across campus, student workers gain career skills while proving essential in ensuring day-to-day tasks are completed. They work as office assistants, maintenance staff, referees, and even writers sharing stories on ClarkNow, such as this one, published during National Student Employment Week. These experiences provide a taste of life after graduation.

Tomlin, who majored in English and Spanish, forged a career in marketing and publicity with skills garnered as an office assistant for the English Department, handling department social media, newsletters, and administrative duties.

“Working with newsletter software and database management comes up a lot in my current role, as does managing a branded social media channel,” Tomlin says. “The most valuable things I learned from the English Department were about professionalism overall — writing professional emails, customer service skills, and juggling multiple competing deadlines.”

As a marketing and publicity associate for the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network, a division of Macmillan, Tomlin’s average day involves managing several social media accounts and designing marketing campaigns to support the podcasts. Tomlin also interviews, manages some interdepartmental marketing, and leads the LGBTQ+ employee resource group.

“It’s been exciting to take part in initiatives to support authors and promote diverse stories being shared with readers,” Tomlin says.

Tomlin emphasized the role that having a supportive manager has on the development of a career and work ethic.

“Paula Connors, the office manager of the English Department in Anderson House, was a key part of my college experience,” Tomlin says. “Not everyone gets the chance to work with someone who supports you, challenges you, and checks in on your well-being. She’s the standard I judge all other managers against.”

Castro, who majored in management, wore many hats as a student worker. He was a referee for intramural sports, a Clark Collective coordinator, and a full-time facilities management assistant.

“I learned that discipline and consistency are key to everything I want to do in life,” he says. “Leadership and time management were required in every role I had at Clark. It doesn’t matter how big or small an experience it was, I’ve been able to adapt in my role as executive director.”

Castro’s schedule is ever-changing, a mix of meetings, events, and collaborations that boost emerging entrepreneurs throughout Central Massachusetts.

“The most exciting part of my job is giving back to the community, making education and resources accessible to those who need them, and creating connections,” he says.

Working on campus is vital in Castro’s eyes.

“Having a job on campus offers a perspective that a classroom will never be able to give,” he says. “These skills and habits make a difference.”

Learn more about campus jobs