19 Dec From Campus Jobs to Career Success: ASI Student Assistant Journeys
At Associated Students Inc. (ASI) at California State University, Fullerton, student assistants are more than just employees; they are part of a community that nurtures their growth and supports their ambitions. Within ASI’s Communications, Marketing and Design (CMD) department, this ethos is especially evident. CMD is a hub of creativity, collaboration and mentorship where young student professionals are empowered to develop the skills they need to excel in their future roles.
ASI’s CMD department plays a key role in promoting and supporting the organization’s mission and events. CMD manages ASI’s social media marketing, creates all graphic design materials—from event flyers to social media posts and pamphlets—and produces all the videos for social platforms, screens around ASI’s facilities and ASI’s student orientation. Additionally, their communications team plays an integral role in helping communicate ASI’s brand through writing, public relations and outreach. This task is a big order, making the MCD workplace fast-paced, deadline-driven and eventful throughout the whole year.
“Over the last six to seven years, we have had students land freelance jobs, internships and full-time jobs at major companies like NBC/Universal, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, Netflix, Paramount+, Upper Deck, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Revolve, Vans and the Cartoon Network to name a few,” shared Mike Greenlee, ASI’s Design Manager.
For many student assistants, working at CMD is not just a job but a transformative experience. Alan Quin, Felipe Reblora and Valerie Moau, three current and former ASI student assistants, embody the success that stems from this unique environment.
“The most important skill that can be honed in the MCD department is one that is overarching across all of our media teams: storytelling,” said Art Serna, ASI’s Digital and Social Media Manager.
For students who have taken part in telling the ASI story throughout their college years, it’s our turn to tell theirs. Their stories showcase the impact of ASI on their personal and professional growth during their time here at CSUF.
Alan Quin: Building Confidence and Advocating for Success
Alan Quin poses for a photo for Spring Concert 2024 social media promos. / Credit: MCD Department
Alan Quin, a sociology major who graduated in the Spring 2024 semester, credits his time at ASI as pivotal in shaping his career trajectory.
“Right off the bat when I transferred, I started at ASI,” he recalled. Over his two years at CMD, Quin learned skills that he uses in his current role as a Social Media Coordinator for the Los Angeles Clippers.
“Besides the software skills, it’s the communication skills. Getting that experience at ASI, talking to so many people whether it’s students or pro staff, has really helped me at my job currently. It’s helped me advocate for myself and speak up and share my ideas.”
As a social media student assistant at ASI, Quin was encouraged to take risks, make mistakes and grow.
“Lots of students come into ASI with little to no job experience, so being able to foster an environment where students can learn, make mistakes and apply what they learn to real world problems is essential,” said Monique Tudon, ASI Communications Specialist. “The students feel a sense of community and get tangible insight into what their careers could be like after graduating.”
While at ASI, Quin took on the responsibility of creating social media plans and creating posts and reels for ASI’s Instagram account. Quin found himself as the face of ASI, as many social media assistants do when making videos for their Gen-Z audience.
“This is a place where you test your skills, you practice and sometimes you fail. We’re not going to get reprimanded for throwing ideas out there. It felt like a safe environment,” Quin explained. This philosophy enabled him to explore his interests and discover his potential.
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By the time he graduated, Quin’s goals had evolved. “Working at ASI kind of showed me there were similar opportunities out there. Once I expressed I wanted to work in entertainment and stay in this industry, the opportunities that I had were more tailor-made for me,” he shared.
For incoming college freshmen and students who may be unsure about their future, Quin advises new students to “just jump in” and take advantage of every opportunity.
“If you want to make your mark, just express that. As long as you put in energy and believe in your ideas, it will pay off.”
Valerie Moau: Discovering a Passion for Communication
Valerie Moau poses for a photo with Titan Outdoor members at the Death Valley Trip. / Credit: Valerie Moau
Valerie Moau, a current CSUF senior majoring in communications with a minor in digital marketing, joined ASI in August 2023. Having switched from a computer engineering major, Moau credits her experience at CMD with helping her find her narrowing down what she really wants to do after graduation.
“ASI has taught me so much,” Moau said. “I’ve gained more confidence in photo and video editing. Before joining ASI, I didn’t really know much about either, but this job has given me the chance to really immerse myself and learn so much.”
When it comes to media coverage for students like Moau, Art Serna, ASI’s Digital and Social Media Manager chimed in. “For photographers and videographers, the skills they develop are that of a documentarian, capturing compelling moments as they unfold while taking into account the lighting, composition, and subject they are shooting,” said Serna. “It is our aim to provide students with a rich portfolio of their creative work that will propel them into greater opportunities beyond college.”
Through ASI, Moau has not only honed her technical skills but also learned to navigate a fast-paced work environment.
“ASI is very fast-paced, and you have to learn that and adapt. It’s taught me to prioritize and how to pace myself,” she explained. These real-world lessons are so valuable for students in preparing them for future opportunities.
Moau shared a few of her proudest achievements from her work on ASI.
“Working on the Spring Concert was so rewarding,” she shared. “Seeing the school use my photos from that event is really cool. Also, being able to collaborate with Titan Outdoors has been so fun. I’ll always remember those trips and the opportunities to go and the skills I learned while working those trips.”
Looking ahead to graduation, Moau feels confident in her path.
“ASI has prepared me for graduation because I feel like I know myself so much better now and where I want to go in life,” she said. Her advice to new students echoes Quin’s: “Take advantage of every opportunity and resource around you. Whether it’s here at ASI or on campus, everyone wants to help you and see you succeed and it’s so important to utilize that help.”
Felipe Reblora: Turning Passion into a Career
Felipe Rebloro poses for a photo with his designs for Spring Concert 2024. / Credit: MCD Department
Felipe Reblora, a graphic and interactive design major, spent nearly three years at ASI before graduating. For Reblora, ASI reinforced his passion for design and prepared him for a successful career.
“I wouldn’t say that working at ASI changed what I wanted to do; it strengthened what I wanted to do after graduation. I really loved what I was doing during my time with ASI,” he said.
During his time at CMD, Reblora gained invaluable experience in conceptualization, leadership and working under pressure.
“I learned how to come up with ideas quickly when they were needed and how to get those produced on time,” he explained. “Companies want people that can help come up with good concepts for their company, so graduating feeling confident in that skill is so helpful.” Reblora’s work at ASI included designing for events like Taylor Swift Night, the Sabrina Carpenter concert and the 2023 Spring Concert.
Mike Greenlea, Reblora’s Design boss during his time at ASI, reflected on the communal aspect of working as a creative for the department. “The studio has become a true melting pot where students come together and create tight, life-long friendships with their co-workers,” he shared. “After all these years in ASI, I still get a kick out of seeing groups former students hanging out with each and even attending each others’ weddings.”
Reblora also reflected on this unique feature of ASI’s MCD department. After all, in an open space where employees get to collaborate, sit closely together and see each other multiple times per week, friendships are bound to be made.
“ASI was the first, best job I could have had,” he reflected. “Not just because of the work, but because of the camaraderie among the graphic design team.” Reblora shared how his team had a weekly boba night where they would all meet up for boba on Thursdays. “We all just meshed so well together.”
Today, Reblora works for Collectionzz, a design firm based out of New York City, designing for touring artists. He credits ASI with helping foster his creativity and confidence.
To young students ready to start their careers, he says, “You have to give yourself the agency to be creative and give all your effort and put your ideas out there. ASI really fostered those feelings.”
Reblora’s advice to current students is to make the most of their time, in college and at ASI. “Take advantage of everything ASI has to offer. Everything you do here can be a portfolio piece, and that’s so important.”
A Legacy of Growth and Success
ASI MCD student employees pose with Tyler James Williams at Beyond the Conversation event. / Credit: ASICSUF Flickr
Alan, Valerie and Felipe’s stories all shared certain common themes—build community where you work, take advantage of the help and resources offered and give yourself the agency to come up with creative ideas.
“Our space has become a springboard for our students into their chosen careers,” said Greenlea. “Our department has prided itself on office culture, teamwork, collaboration and customer service, and having those skills and experiences tied to their artistic talent heading into a job interview is invaluable.”
Through mentorship, collaboration and hands-on experience, ASI provides a foundation for success that extends beyond graduation. Whether they’re advocating for themselves, discovering new passions or turning their creativity into careers, ASI alumni carry the lessons they’ve learned with them into every endeavor.