By: Michael Rutkowki
Michael works as a Career Advisor at NSU’s Office of Career Development. He studied interpersonal communication and sociology as an undergraduate student and is currently in the College Student Affairs M.S. program here at NSU. He has a background in training and development of student staff at universities and is passionate about creating transformational out-of-the-classroom learning opportunities for students. Michael is originally from Wisconsin and loves traveling, cooking and doing things outdoors.
Consistently, 70-80% of college students work full or part-time. Being employed while studying brings the benefit of an income and the competitive edge of practical work experience but can also be stressful to manage with a rigorous course load. Because of the expectation of college students to have work experience upon graduation, remaining unemployed during undergraduate years is not pragmatic. Tuition, books and living expenses also add financial pressure on students, often making work necessary. One way to mitigate the stressors caused by being an employed student is to seek out an on-campus job. On-campus employers are looking for students like you, and the benefits of earning where you learn are numerous. Here are five of the top reasons you should earn where you learn.
Gain career experience
Gaining work experience before you graduate is crucial. An on-campus job can help you learn the skills future employers are looking for. Being employed on campus will teach you time management, communication, professionalism and work ethic. You will also build relationships with supervisors who can then serve as references, vouching for your skills when the time comes for an internship or full-time job.
Build connections on campus
Working on campus will bring you closer to the people and programs in your campus community. The faculty, staff and students you will meet help keep you informed and connected to the pulse of campus. In addition, you will have direct access to staff who know about various resources available to students. Working on campus comes with the perk of a network of helpful university staff who are always willing to support you.
Flexibility with your student schedule
When on-campus employers hire students, they understand your busy schedule. They will make sure your academics have priority and will always be accommodating of class schedules. Many campus jobs also give their student staff time off for Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break and summer.
No commute
What better commute than a short walk down a campus sidewalk? Of course, on-campus jobs are great for students who do not have a car, but residential students who have cars and even commuter students can benefit from earning and learning in the same place. Working on campus saves you time, vehicle expenses and commute frustrations compared to jobs off campus.
Make friends
Working on campus exposes you to people you might not otherwise spend time with. They help you create friendships with other students beyond your major, residence hall floor or clubs you may be a part of. You will be introduced to diverse ideas, viewpoints, hobbies and form lasting friendships.
If you think an on-campus job could benefit you, click on the green JobX tile on your Sharklink homepage to see available opportunities.
PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM M. RUTKOWSKI
Michael Rutkowski is one of the many career advisors
available for consultation with the Office of Career
Development.
