25 years! Congratulations! What does it mean to you to have reached this milestone?
Reaching 25 years at UCSF is extremely meaningful to me because it shows that you don't need a college degree to build a successful career here! I started at UCSF right out of high school and never imagined I would spend my entire adult life at such an amazing institution.
We often joke that UCSF stands for "U Can Stay Forever" and I'm proud to say I'm living proof of that!
Eric Wu started at UCSF 25 years ago (on the left) and is still at Documents and Media today (right).
What did your job look like 25 years ago? How is it different from what it looks like today?
25 years ago, I started as a frontline customer service rep. in QuickCopy/Reprographics at Parnassus Millberry Union. I worked directly with walk-in customers, helping them with copy jobs and various printing projects.
Today, while customer service is still what I do, the way I interact with customers has changed a lot. Most of our communication now happens through email and Zoom meetings, with fewer in-person interactions than there were 25 years ago. It's been amazing to see how much the way we connect with customers has evolved over the years.
If you could sum your last 25 years at UCSF up in one word, what would that be?
Growth.
Over the past 25 years at UCSF, I've learned valuable life lessons, developed new skills, and taken on opportunities that have helped shape my career.
Eric Wu instructs a client on machine operation, 2022.
Any advice for folks just starting out at UCSF?
Embrace the experience and get to know the people around you. Just remember: like any job, there will be tough days, but working in a place where you feel valued, respected, and supported by your colleagues makes all the difference!
Anything else you want to add?
I just want to say that the DM team is the best! I love working in this department and value the camaraderie we've built over the years.
I'd also like to give a special shoutout to Mario Carmona on his retirement. Thank you for building a strong foundation and for cultivating a team culture that allows DM to thrive and succeed! I am grateful for your leadership and proud to be a part of the team you built!