Josh Albin

What is your current role at Barrett, and what are your primary responsibilities?

I serve as the Program Coordinator, Sr. for Student Engagement and Recruitment on the Polytechnic campus. On the student engagement side, I plan annual events for the Poly incoming students such as Barrett Beginnings in June and the Barrett Poly Retreat in August, Poly circuit events open to all Barrett students such as Dinner Down The Orchard and and open to all ASU students such as Pride Prom, the Poly end of the year banquet the Gold Standard Awards in April, popular student events such as Poly Picnics, Barrett Buck Stores, and Rest & Relaxes, supervise 7 student workers and their events and projects, and advise some of the Poly student organizations such as our Barrett Poly Mentors and BLAST at Poly. On the recruitment side, I plan the Poly Scholar Dinners for high achieving high students and their families and assist with other communications, programs, events, and initiatives in order to promote Barrett on Poly. 

How long have you been with Barrett, and what initially drew you to work at Barrett?

I will be celebrating my 5th year with Barrett and ASU on January 28! As a very involved Barrett student on the Polytechnic campus, I learned a lot about what it takes to build a strong, academic community. When I graduated, I was so sad to leave a place that had been such a foundational pillar in my growth as a working professional. I thought why not stay! I was honored to be hired just a month after graduating and I have been working here ever since! I am so glad I continued my Barrett journey as a professional staff member in a position that still teaches me new things everyday. 

How do you see yourself contributing to the continued growth and success of Barrett in the future?

As I have been with Barrett for the past 5 years, I have learned so much about myself and how to be a supportive working professional. I would love to mentor and support new staff members of the Barrett community (especially if they are new in their career). It would be a rewarding experience to teach and nurture new staff to pass on what I have learned. I always love creating new things and doing my best to help Barrett grow. I would be happy to do that anyway I can.  

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

It is no secret that I love Disney and go to Disneyland quite often. I will even be chaperoning the Barrett Sophomore Disneyland Turn Around Trip later in January! I also love musical theater. Getting to see broadway touring shows come through ASU Gammage is a great experience! 

Is there a specific quote or mantra that resonates with you and guides your approach to life and work?

The quote that my middle school art teacher lived by was the quote I put on my cap when I graduated from ASU - "If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life." I want to truly enjoy my life and wake up excited for the day. When I was about to graduate with a degree in Software Engineering, I realized I really did not enjoy it. I had to take a step back and figure out what got me up in the morning. It was planning events for college students and sharing with prospective students and families why they should come to Barrett. Rather than hating my job for the rest of my life, I wanted to be excited and have passion for it. While there are a few things I do not enjoy in my position (as with any job), the amount of things I love about it far outweigh the negative. I believe loving what you do is the key to happiness.