UIC Library Student Employee Spotlight: Reda Esar
Introduction
By Yaminah El-Amin, General Office Assistant, Library Human Resources
As part of our ongoing series honoring graduating student employees, we’re shining a light on their stories and experiences behind the scenes at the UIC Library. In this feature, meet Reda Esar, an economics major whose work in the Business Office left a lasting impact.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your graduation plans?
A: Hi! My name is Reda Esar, and I’m a graduating senior. I’ll be receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Economics. I’m very excited and looking forward to this next chapter!
Q: What has been your favorite part about working at the UIC Library?
A: One of my favorite parts has been the sense of accomplishment—especially working in the Business Office. I’ve been able to make financial processes more efficient and actually see the impact of my work. The supportive environment and the connections I’ve built made this experience even more meaningful. And honestly, having the chance to work behind the scenes in the same space where I used to study all the time added an extra layer to it.
Q: How has this experience influenced your academic or career journey?
A: This job really helped bridge the gap between what I was learning in class and how financial operations work in real life. Before working here, I understood financial concepts in theory—but this role gave me hands-on experience in budgeting and data management. It boosted my confidence in handling financial tasks and sparked a deeper interest in pursuing a career in finance or business operations. More than anything, it taught me how the small operational details can play a huge role in the overall success of an organization. That’s something I’ll definitely carry with me into my career.
Q: Any final thoughts?
A: Thank you for the opportunity—it’s been an incredibly valuable experience!