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MakerLab job launches student’s career

picture of Cali Glasgow
Cali Glasgow, former student employee at Albertsons Library’s MakerLab

Library student employee

Cali Glasgow grew up in Boise and was a student employee at our makerspace for three years. “I knew I needed to work to pay for college, because I’ve had a job since I was 15 just for that reason. I decided to get a job on campus when I found out I qualified for work-study. It’s not something I knew even existed until I sat down with a Boise State financial counselor to talk about it. I noticed the job with the MakerLab and thought ‘I can’t apply to this because I know nothing about the technology of a maker space.’ But the tagline said ‘You don’t have to know anything, we can teach you!’ I got an interview and was offered a job on the spot! I’m most passionate about the Gender Sexuality Alliance I created in high school. In my interview they told me that experience showed I was open to diversity and was an empathetic person. Also that I seemed to be creative and open-minded. Not to “diss” my past jobs, but this was my first career-oriented job. A lot of the appeal for staying and continuing to work at the MakerLab was the fact that it was ok to make mistakes and learn from them.

Combining creative writing with technology

I majored in creative writing. I’ve been passionate about it my whole life. The way I’ve used my creative writing in the MakerLab got me my new job working for Micron. The way I used it in the lab is all due to my manager asking me what I wanted to focus on the most. I learned how to write professionally and technically to further my career and gain experience in my field. FlexTechs hired me to be a content author. They are a promotional company that contracts with Micron to contribute technology-based writing and marketing.

What makes the library special

I am a walking advertisement for the MakerLab wherever I go. It really fosters such an open mindset and community that evolves around making, learning and supporting. I’ve believed in libraries ever since I was small. I got my library card when I was five (although it technically wasn’t allowed in my town). I think I put down that I was six. All librarians have different backgrounds and histories and perspectives. I’ve met so many diverse people here, that I wouldn’t have been able to meet otherwise. That’s what I was looking for in a college experience. Diversify my mindset. I’ve been able to do that at Albertsons Library, and especially in the MakerLab.”