When I started college, I never thought that having a job, let alone a job on campus, would be an opportunity open to me. Looking back on my time as a student manager, I would not want it any other way. Below are just a few of the many reasons I could give on why everyone should work on campus while they go to college.
1) There are a variety of jobs:
Universities have multiple departments all across campus. As a student, you can work just about anywhere doing something you love. You can be a student assistant in your favorite subject or if you are good at math, writing, or science the departments are always looking for students to be tutors. Want an inside look at the university? Apply for a job in admissions, the registrar’s office or the student center! Confidentiality is highly important in these jobs, but they give an inside look at how the university runs, which is something most students don’t get to see. Plus, you gain experience working in a real office setting.
2) Student jobs can become full time jobs:
Several of my friends that I met working as a student manager have gone from having a part time job as a student to being hired full time! Recent graduates are often hired in Admissions or Student Life because they are great spokespersons and success stories. If you work in a specialized area like the registrar’s office or financial aid chances are good that you can secure a fulltime position since you have been trained and are a proven asset.
3) Limited hours that work with your schedule:
Often times with off campus jobs students have very little time to spend with family, friends or on school work. Working on campus the majority of jobs are part-time meaning that you cannot work over 20 hours a week. This may deter a lot of people from working on campus, but speaking from experience having a locked in 20 hours a week to work that lets me earn enough money to afford what I need while leaving me time to do other things like sorority events, spending time with family and study for all my exams! Plus, the pay is usually better than jobs off campus!
4) Time management:
With some on campus jobs you are able to do homework during work, while this is not often the case, it does happen. Working in the Student Center, it is important to make sure that I get my school work done before clocking in because I never know how much down time I will have at work. Your schedule will be set each semester, which will help you plan time for friends and other activities. Since you are on campus for classes you also save time because you don’t have to drive to a different location.
5) Your employer supports your studies:
In a lot of off campus jobs employers don’t always remember that you are a student first. On campus this idea is central. The idea of being a student employee means that your boss will more than likely take into consideration that you have to study for your exam or you have two papers due the next day. Your coworkers realize this too and will all work together to make the best schedule or cover a shift if you need it. Employers will be there to check in on you and see how everything is going -- if they notice your grades are slipping, they will help you take action before it gets out of control.
6) Meeting new people (Students and Faculty):
Working on campus you get to interact with many individuals. The benefit of this? You will almost always know one person in your class each semester and get recognized walking around campus! Every time I walk into I class at the beginning of a semester I always hope there will be someone I know. Since starting my job on campus this happens more often than expected. I may not see them every day or talk to them much, but there is always one person I can make a connection with because I met them through work. You will find that this happens with faculty too!
7) Learning responsibility:
As a student employee you become accountable for many things. Depending on where you work you will be in charge of files, phone calls, technical equipment or even people. You become responsible for keeping information confidential and events or processes running smoothly. Being a student employee forces you to step up to the plate and assume responsibility for multiple tasks at one time. It also teaches you how to interact with others in a professional way.
8) Short Commute:
Chances are that if you’re on campus for classes, your job will be within walking distance from any point. This doesn’t just mean less gas you have to pay for, it means there will hardly ever be a time you are late.
9) Build your resume:
Working on campus is great for earning money and increasing your social life, but it’s also great for building your resume. You will receive training in customer service, all kinds of office equipment, and software. Getting to work with others who have different personalities, learning styles, and ways of doing things. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about who you work with and opens you up to working in different ways. Plus, you will have occasions to work with professionals like faculty, deans, and even the President of the University. These are all skills that will make your resume stand out.
10) Have fun every day:
Every day you go in knowing what your job is and what you have to do, but you also never know what to expect. I can’t tell you the countless number of times I have come into work and there was something completely off the wall going on. It makes for an interesting day and some fun weekly meetings!
