Did you know that UDRI offers part-time jobs, internships, and co-op opportunities? We currently have over 50 students from the University of Dayton working with us! We sat down with some of our student workers to learn more about their experience with UDRI.

Today we want to introduce you to Robert Marshall, a junior from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is majoring in Entrepreneurship and has been working at UDRI for about a year and a half. Robert’s Dad is an alumnus of UD so it’s no surprise that he’s always wanted to attend the University of Dayton. 

During his sophomore year Robert was looking for a part-time job on Handshake and he came across a posting with UDRI’s business unit. He wanted a job that was still connected to the University but wanted an excuse to venture off of campus now and then. The position over at Curran Place perfectly fit the bill. A representative from UDRI even picked him up at VWK for his interview! 

Robert works as a part-time student employee on our property records team in the UDRI Administrative Suite at Daniel J. Curran Place. He performs a wide variety of tasks such as selling surplus inventory, delivering mail across UD properties, listing items to sell, researching fair market value for items, keeping records of sales, and working with customers through transactions. His favorite memory so far during his time on the job occurred when he was selling 20 tables in the library. One table was sold to a man who arrived to pick up the very large piece in a sedan! With some help from Robert, they eventually managed to fit it into the car.   

When asked about the benefits and experiences he’s gained while working at UDRI, Robert had a lot to say. He has gained immeasurable experience in accounting and financials, how to talk to customers, methods for working with a large team, and many new organizational skills. He’s also gained valuable expertise in setting fair prices while not undercutting yourself. Robert shared how much he enjoys working in Curran Place, describing it as a beautiful building and campus, particularly the view from the 5th floor looking out at the Carillon Bell Tower. As an added bonus, the building is an easy walk from campus, giving him the chance to get in some good exercise.  He looks forward to his walk to work every day. 

Another major benefit that Robert was adamant about highlighting is the people. He spoke about the great mix of people at UDRI and how they treat him with respect as a professional, not just as a student. He also has the opportunity to meet a lot of new people whether it be as coworkers, customers, or even professors that he encounters while delivering mail. The person that has stood out to Robert the most has been his boss, Jim Blair. He describes Jim as a very kind, wonderful, local Dayton guy who is friends with everyone in the building and a great boss. 

In the future, Robert wants to open a BBQ restaurant someday, potentially right here in Dayton! He has observed a need for more dining in downtown Dayton and would like to bring authentic southern BBQ to Ohio. Additionally, Robert has created a Dayton trivia game that he has been learning how to market.  

As an entrepreneur, it’s important to have an eye for opportunity, even coming from an unlikely source. Robert definitely possesses that gift, and we are so grateful that we could offer him some valuable experience and that he feels that this is the best campus job!