Students Speak Up About Their College Jobs
The lowly campus job fair may not be the hottest back-to-school event.
But finding the right job can make the difference between graduating with professional experience, good references and a slick resume -- and graduating without.
Plus, working in college can help students borrow less and ultimately ease their student loan burden.
A college job is "a great way to defray the rising costs of education," says Craig Schmidt, executive director for career and professional development at the career services center at the University of California--San Diego.
To get a sense of what jobs students have on- and off-campus, U.S. News asked current and former students to share their college gigs. Students weighed in on Twitter with the hashtag #mycollegejob, sharing their job titles, what they learned and pictures of themselves at work.
@SusSnider I worked #mycollegejob on the @chicostate grounds crew for 3 years! Even got to plant a few baby trees :) pic.twitter.com/D8f9u3Gvic
-- Zachary Phillips (@ZachSPhillips) August 13, 2015
In addition to planting baby trees, students worked as campus tour guides, resident assistants and laboratory assistants.
Working on campus is savvy, says Schmidt. "On-campus employers are a little more flexible and understanding about students' schedules," he says. To make sure that academics don't get short shrift, students should limit work hours to around 15 per week, he says.
One group who will likely work on campus are federal work-study recipients. Those who receive this need-based aid have their paychecks subsidized by government funds, making them attractive candidates to on-campus bosses.
[Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about federal work-study.]
@SusSnider @usnews I'm a Titan Ambassador giving tours to guests of all ages. Learned 2 take pride in what I do! pic.twitter.com/W2NYAAgJiN
-- Alexandra Beltran (@Princessahhlexx) August 12, 2015
@SusSnider I get to capture all kinds of moments as a student photographer at U of Dayton! #mycollegejob @daymag pic.twitter.com/d9EzRoSwE4
-- Grace Poppe (@grace_poppe) August 17, 2015
#mycollegejob (RHA + Housing Ambassador) taught me how to turn college into a home :) #ThisIsOU @SusSnider @usnews pic.twitter.com/s5lWjFTtxn
-- Michael Faulkner (@Faulkneezy) August 13, 2015
@SusSnider Neurobio research lab at @UMmedschool! I've learned numerous biochemistry techniques! #mycollegejob pic.twitter.com/tnbrNaO1qU
-- Nevin Varghese (@iNEVINable) August 19, 2015
Some students tweeted about the lessons they learned logging their work hours off campus instead.
@SusSnider I work at a bagel shop! It's the best job I've ever had #mycollegejob pic.twitter.com/LWIvbSnqGt
-- Kim Mason (@Kimmiebebecakes) August 13, 2015
@SusSnider I worked at a hot dog place! I learned all about customer service and America's delicacy! #mycollegejob pic.twitter.com/6FZH0bSvRr
-- Haley Wright (@whiteywhiterman) August 13, 2015
Some students worked in office and laboratory settings that offered the chance to rub elbows with professional mentors.
[Discover how to find a career mentor in college.]
@SusSnider Expanding the universal boundaries at #mycollegejob with @NASA and @stsci pic.twitter.com/eJMLrE8yvz
-- Ghia (@Ms_Ghia) August 20, 2015
@SusSnider I am doing social media at @frostburgstate. I love my job! I get to connect with students and staff! pic.twitter.com/msH3xLtzKi
-- Katie McCartney (@KateMcCartney94) August 12, 2015
@SusSnider I worked on sustainable energy technologies at an REU I also got to work w/liquid nitrogen! #mycollegejob pic.twitter.com/387Dv4Tx7l
-- Sean Najmi (@mustacheman95) August 19, 2015
Making connections to professionals who can answer career questions, provide recommendations and offer advice is another benefit of a college job. "These can be some of the first real meaningful relationships with a professional that the students are developing," says Schmidt.
And one student worked with animals, which can't provide career advice, but are adorable.
@SusSnider I work at a clinic with rescue animals! It's so rewarding to be able to give an animal a second chance! pic.twitter.com/eRO2ovHDdn
-- Kendra Smith (@kendraklsriley) August 13, 2015
No matter the job, says Schmidt, students can take away more than just a paycheck. A student who works in the campus bookstores and trains new hires, for example, can note that experience on their resume and future cover letters.
[Learn how to work on campus as an international student.]
Even if students start off small their freshman year, with a job in the cafeteria or in the library, they can develop their professional skills and close out senior year with a professional internship or laboratory gig, says Schmidt.
In fact, many college workers drew a direct line from their experiences working as students to their postgraduate careers.
@SusSnider @GVSU My college job was student fundraiser, and it helped me get my 1st career working in the nonprofit world! So grateful!
-- Mary Pritchard (@pritchma) August 13, 2015
As a non-traditional student at @SUNYEmpire @SusSnider @usnews I worked full-time & had full course load. #mycollegejob led to my dream job
-- Anita DeCianni-Brown (@anitabrown6) August 13, 2015
@SusSnider All of my jobs w/ @WesternILUniv helped me find my passions & professionalism & lead to my current GA position in @WIUAthletics!
-- Jessie Lantz (@jessielantz) August 12, 2015
.@SusSnider @usnews I was an intern at @CMUniversity's PR/marketing office in 2008. Came back in 2013! pic.twitter.com/rJMNwkoJ4O
-- Rachel E. Perkins (@rachelesterline) August 14, 2015
What was your campus job? Share with @usnewseducation on Twitter with the hashtag #mycampusjob.
Trying to fund your education? Get tips and more in the U.S. News Paying for College center.
Susannah Snider is an education reporter at U.S. News, covering paying for college and graduate school. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at ssnider@usnews.com.
