Waseda WeeklyWaseda Weekly

WASEDA NEO Student Staff
Mana Nishide, 4th year student School of Political Science and Economics

At the main entrance Nihonbashi Campus

While studying on campus, students work and participate in activities that contribute to improving the value of the university. What kind of students are involved in "Student Involvement/Student Jobs," which play such an important role at the university, and how? This time, we introduce the daily life of Mana Nishide, a fourth-year student in the School of Political Science and Economics, who works as a student staff member at WASEDA NEO (Nihonbashi Campus), a base for adult education.

Q. How did you get started?

I found the recruitment information on MyWaseda and applied, thinking I would be able to work on campus with peace of mind. Also, the workplace, Nihonbashi Campus, is close to the university and is easy to get to after classes, so I was also attracted by the idea of being able to balance my studies and student club activities. I had been looking for various other part-time jobs, including off-campus, but part-time jobs that involve adult education are rare, so another big reason for applying was that I felt I could broaden my horizons in a new environment.

Q. What kind of activities do you do?

WASEDA NEO offers adult education courses that allow working adults and retirees to acquire new knowledge and skills and apply them to their work, future careers, and lives. I am involved in preparing and running these courses about once or twice a week. Specific tasks include setting up equipment in the classroom the day before the course and the morning of the course, recording classes, and handling the reception and student counter services in the office. Since multiple courses are held throughout the day every Saturday, I often work the entire day, and on weekdays I may also work a few hours during the course hours or to prepare for courses.

Left: Handing out lecture materials to people who came to the counter to register for the course
Right: Setting up information at the entrance in preparation for the course

Q. Please tell us what you felt through the activities.

At first, I was confused because I didn't understand the flow of work, but I learned the job with the careful guidance of senior student staff and staff. I feel that I have acquired a sense of responsibility as I cooperated with other staff, divided up roles, and worked together according to the situation to get the job done. I also had many opportunities to listen up close to lectures by people involved in local government management and professional marketers, people I don't usually get to meet, which broadened my horizons by exposing me to new fields and ways of thinking.

Checking the equipment connections before the class. Working together with other student staff.

Q. How do you balance multiple commitments, such as your studies and a student job?

Nihonbashi Campus is about 20 minutes away from Waseda Campus, so when I was busy with other activities, I would head there after class and make effective use of my time. I often work a large number of hours on Saturdays, which makes it easy to balance my time with classes and student club activities. In addition, even during busy periods such as exam periods and job hunting, the company is flexible in discussing shifts, so I can work comfortably according to my schedule.

Q. Please tell us about your future aspirations and the challenges you plan to take on.

In the few months remaining until graduation, I would like to contribute to ensuring that the courses run smoothly at Nihonbashi Campus, where I have been so well looked after. I also plan to revise the manual outlining the work content in order to continue to create an environment in which student staff can work comfortably. From next year, I aim to become a member of society who can grow with a broad perspective, just like the students who study while working.

How I spend my week when classes are in session

A typical week's schedule. I also study for qualifications and have free time.