During this past week, Saint Xavier University has once again begun the X Factor recruitment process. This process opens the door for students all across SXU to become leaders of their community.
Though the numbers vary yearly, the average amount of applicants is around sixty to eighty students.
These new applicants go through various rounds before being chosen for the various positions at SXU. After submitting their applications, these applicants move on to the group interviews, where several activities are used to narrow the pool of individuals. These activities, as described by Ali Zaharris, director of Campus life at Saint Xavier, are helpful in “seeing specific group work and team leadership skills.”
She continues by saying how this helps in “picking and choosing the folks we think fit into the roles that they’re the best in.”
Several individuals are in the room, hoping to see who they can hire for the various organizations and leadership positions on campus. Dozens of openings need to be filled, such as orientation leaders, resident assistants (RAs), and student council members to name a few.
Once this group interview is completed, discussions are made and notes are consulted to determine who will be brought back for individual interviews before a panel.
“Individual interviews happen and this is with a panel of folks from different areas.”
Zaharis continued this thought by explaining that applicants are sometimes offered positions outside of what they were expecting.
“Oftentimes folks will get positions they didn’t necessarily apply for. That’s kind of the benefit of having all the folks hiring in the same room.”
Those present evaluating the interviewee will see which positions will best complement their characteristics and qualities.
Student leadership at Saint Xavier is highly important, as SXU has around three thousand students enrolled at the university roaming the halls and attending classes within the various schools. As such, student leaders help to guide and lead the student body of Saint Xavier. Special interest is given to first years just entering into the college lifestyle.
When asked what she found rewarding about student leadership, Pacelli Hall Resident Assistant, Amanda Serrano said,
“What I find rewarding is definitely the connections I make to the residents, seeing them come out of their shells as first-years and acclimate to college life is amazing. I like that I can be there to answer questions for them; it reminds me of how much of a relief it was when I was a first-year to have student leaders help me out.”
Zaharris said that student leadership is “incredibly important. They teach job skills you really can’t get inside of a classroom. Often times, their resumes are very well rounded.”
Graduate schools and managers look for leadership experience amongst new hires.
When asked how important student leadership was, Paulina Gorgyl, Executive President of Saint Xavier council responded by saying:
“It’s our job to say something and fix whatever the problems are. To make the school a better place for all of us.”
All potential leaders of the SXU community need to be motivated, charismatic, hardworking and responsible. This is the sentiment shared by many of the student leaders that are a part of the SXU community
Gorgyl advises potential leaders to, “Be yourself. You have the potential to do good things on campus.”
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