Rutgers Class of 2014 | B.A. Criminal Justice
Head Fitness Assistant, Cook Douglass Recreation Center
For Tommy Reardon, what started as a simple college job at the Cook Douglass Recreation Center turned into a life-changing experience. While pursuing his degree in Criminal Justice, Tommy discovered a passion for fitness, leadership, and personal growth through his student employment experience.
Working as part of the recreation center team gave Tommy the chance to develop a growth mindset. He learned how to collaborate effectively with others, take on leadership responsibilities, and build meaningful connections. Over time, he advanced from a team member to Head Fitness Assistant, gaining valuable experience in teamwork, leadership, and communication.
One of the biggest lessons Tommy learned was how to manage and lead people with different personalities. Building positive relationships wasn’t always easy, but he realized that finding common ground with each team member was key to keeping the team productive and working well together. These experiences taught him that good leadership is about adaptability and connection.
“I often state that I majored in fitness at Rutgers, which led towards my passion for coaching,” Tommy shares. After graduating, he pursued a career in Personal Training, which eventually evolved into his current career as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Plainfield High School. He credits the growth mindset he developed on the job with giving him the confidence to explore new career paths and keep growing professionally.
Tommy also speaks highly of the mentorship he received from his supervisor. Their guidance not only helped him grow in his role but also opened doors for future opportunities. Even after graduating, he stayed in touch and continued to rely on their support. “There were many opportunities that were provided to me on behalf of my former supervisor,” he says.
Looking back, Tommy values the reflection and goal-setting opportunities his student employment experience provided. Starting as an assistant, he pushed himself to take on more responsibility, eventually helping to expand RU Fit and other fitness programs. His initiative and drive to go beyond his original role helped him develop key career competencies that have stayed with him ever since.
When offering advice to current students, Tommy keeps it simple but powerful: “Put yourself out there and try new things. I learned so much more outside the classroom.”
His journey shows how student employment can be more than just a job. With the right mindset and a willingness to grow, on-campus work can become a stepping stone to discovering your passions and building skills for long-term career success.
Through the Student Employee Enrichment (SEE) Program, Rutgers students like Tommy are able to turn their work experiences into opportunities to develop essential career readiness competencies and prepare for life after graduation.
