Students Working for Students: Business Style
Written By Daisy Willis
Finances tend to be a sticky subject, and dealing with University funds is a situation that needs to be handled with delicacy and tact. Luckily, at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, we have very capable people on the job!
The University of Hawaii at Hilo Student Association (UHHSA) as stated on their website, is the “liaison between the student body and the college administration through active collaboration with faculty, state legislatures and student organizations.” This association is in charge of making sure that the student’s voices are heard in matters of politics and finances.
The University of Hawaii at Hilo Student Association, commonly known as UHHSA, logo. As is featured on their webpage, http://hilo.hawaii.edu/campuscenter/uhhsa/.
Melinda Alles, better known as Mindy, is a Double Major in Political Science and Accounting at UH Hilo and is currently the President of the UHHSA. Before becoming president in December of 2014, Mindy held the position of Treasurer, a title which demanded a great deal of skills far beyond what she expected.
As an Accounting major, Mindy has been trained to handle finances, but in application the job gets much more intricate. Mindy stated that “It's never the case of applying the basics you learn in the classroom. When you get on the job it seems what you have to do and deal with is never what is described. You have to think on your feet and learn by experience. It's so much more complicated when you are dealing with a variety of people and you have a variety of ideas on how things should be done. When dealing with the University, you have more red tape in processing paperwork, [following] timelines, and [anticipating] what can occur when dealing with fiscal matters.”
Mindy is shown in the orange and black dress second from the left with the UH Hilo Accounting club. Photo provided by Melinda "Mindy" Alles.
But the hard work is well worth it! Mindy holds an important position, not only for representing students, but also for improving herself as a student. Learning to adapt to real job scenarios and being able to translate what you learn in class to apply to your position, whether it be on campus or in a position after graduation, is an invaluable skill for anyone looking to be successful in their field. Mindy explains that “[by] being in a leadership position you have to work on all aspects of being a leader. You have get to know your position inside and out, and you have to know how to explain to a variety of people coming from different fields and ideas exactly what your position is. You also have to have great time management in order to balance your leadership position, your place as an academic student, and your personal life. When being in a leadership position, you are made to deal with various types of personalities and responsibilities, and it forces you to practice and perfect all your leadership, social, and academic skills.”
Overall, learning to apply your degree[s] is a very important skill that should be cultivated. If you are a student interested in trying your hand at being a leader, check out the UHHSA website at, http://hilo.hawaii.edu/campuscenter/uhhsa/. Mindy’s previous position as Treasurer is currently open, and students are encouraged to take advantage of any opportunity that will benefit them during and after their academic career.
