Student Spotlight

Graduation is brewing for Ciaran Farmer, an economics major at Texas A&M. As May quickly approaches, Farmer has been refining his skills for the job market and has successfully secured a job offer at a consulting firm in Addison, TX. 

With his time in Aggieland swiftly completing its final act, the first-generation Aggie reflected upon his work experience in the Aquatics program at Texas A&M Rec Sports.

“I started working at the Rec about three years ago – my freshman year – as a lifeguard, and I worked my way up to an Aquatics supervisor, which is what I am now,” Farmer said. “When I first arrived at Texas A&M,…I saw that the Rec had a lifeguard job and I just applied for it, and it turned out to be one of the best jobs I ever had.”

Over his years at Aquatics, Farmer excelled in his responsibilities and climbed the job ladder from lifeguard to head lifeguard, where he would then be promoted to supervisor. Farmer’s current responsibilities include the management of fellow student staff and equipment, which is put to the test during large events that require Aquatics personnel, such as swim meets, collegiate-level competitions, and national tournaments.

“My day-to-day is more of dealing with the event and program side that we offer at Aquatics, whether that is scheduling events, meet packets, getting in touch with Athletics or anything like that, and trying to get everything squared away so that way events run smoothly,” Farmer said.

For Farmer, becoming a part of the Rec Sports team meant not only a means to finance his college education but the ability to collaborate with fellow Aggies outside of the classroom and engage in invaluable professional development.

“My supervisor, CJ, sat down with me and went over my résumé, cover letter, things I could improve on, and interview skills,” Farmer said. “He’s actually part of the reason I got my first full-time job out of college because he helped me as far as emailing the recruiters and getting my résumé for that, so that definitely made me feel welcome.”

“[The Aquatics staff] do the same for every student,” Farmer said. “They give them an opportunity to come in, set a time, and they’ll work with you one-on-one to build and strengthen your résumé and cover letter.”

With over 110 students employed under the Aquatics program alone, it may seem more efficient to host a singular in-service training to benefit employees in aggregate, but at Rec Sports, student development is a process that is equal parts personal, professional, and intentional. 

Farmer said, “That’s what differentiates the Rec from other jobs is that people here actually want to get to know you and they want you to succeed, so they push you to try to perform better, but they also want you to have a good social life and make friends here.”

Each year, over 1000 students walk through Rec Sports facilities as instructors, attendants, supervisors, and a multiplicity of other roles. As is the case with Farmer, their daily work breathes life into each facility and welcomes countless patrons into Rec Sports facilities across campus. While this feat each day demands commitment from students and staff alike, it is students like Farmer who truly make Rec Sports facilities flourish. As such, recognizing the efforts of student staff and promoting their labor in ways large and small is a hallmark of Rec Sports’ core values.

“[Being selected for Student Spotlights] just shows how much your supervisor cares about you and wants you to succeed and get your moment to shine for all the hard work that you have been doing,” Farmer said. “and it’s just a little appreciation that’s really nice, actually.”

Beyond Rec Sports, Farmer is an active member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, a personal trainer, and a self-proclaimed gym rat. His involvement on campus has fostered a lasting sentiment for A&M, and Farmer is proud to be the first of his family to attend Texas A&M University.

In an interview with Rec Sports staff, Farmer said, “I love this job. I’ll definitely remember it and tell my kids that if they ever go to A&M to try and apply for Rec Sports.”