Some people seem to just get lucky. Take Charlie Bucket for example—he happens to find one of five golden tickets in Willy Wonka’s candy even though there are hundreds of thousands of chocolate bars circulating around the world. Most of us aren’t so lucky though, so finding and handling an on-campus job can be quite tricky.
Harry Rubin, a junior at Towson University, found his current job as a student consultant in the College of Business and Economics through a monthly e-mail his school sends out about work opportunities. Many campuses now have similar e-mails; if you’re looking for a position, don’t just delete your messages immediately. If you take the time to read them, they could pay off for you too.
Kutztown University junior, Montana Blum, found her position as a community assistant (similar to an R.A.) after her building director suggested that she apply. She wasn’t looking for a position at the time and was thinking of moving off-campus for her sophomore year, but she says applying for and accepting the position was her “best decision ever.” So, make sure you tap your networks like Blum did because somebody may have information about the perfect position for you.
Jennifer Lowe, a junior at the University of Delaware, is one of six “Blue Hen Ambassador Student Coordinators” for the Undergraduate Admissions Office, where she not only gives tours of campus but also organizes the office’s efforts. Lowe knew even before she arrived on campus that she wanted to be a tour guide, so she was on the lookout from the beginning. The Blue Hen Ambassadors, specifically, have an application on their Facebook page, advertise about information sessions, and notify residence assistants about the opportunities for their residents. Chances are, whichever position you’re interested in on your campus is also publicizing the opportunity, so keep your eyes and ears open.
Once you have been accepted for you dream job on campus, the journey has just begun. Having an on-campus job is not only good for your newly cushioned piggy bank, but it is also good for you as a student. If you were planning on working throughout the semester anyway, working on campus allows you to do so while also enabling you to save money on transportation and to save by avoiding commuting time. In addition, some jobs such as being an assistant in the library will allow you to do your homework while you’re on the clock because chances are, somebody will not be checking out a book every moment during your shift.
Lowe also explains that having an on-campus job is the best way to go because you not only have an additional income, but “right off the bat your employer knows that your priority of being on campus is to be a student, so they are oftentimes flexible when it comes to your work schedule.” This is a definitely plus, but even so, you need to make sure that you “don’t let yourself burn out,” says Lowe. She recommends planning ahead for extra busy weeks.
Blum also admits that sometimes it is hard to manage all of her academic and professional commitments. However, she says, “When there’s a will, there’s a way,” and time management skills are of the utmost importance when balancing studying, work, sleep, and play.
Rubin says, “managing a full class-load as well as a job and extracurricular activities can seem stressful at times, but as long as I am enjoying what I do, I am confident that I can handle it.” That said, make sure you choose something that can provide an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
Sp begin searching now for that golden ticket around every nook and cranny, and once you’ve got the ticket in hand just make sure that you’re managing your time successfully.
