7 reasons to take advantage of student jobs on campus
On-campus student employment offers a mutually beneficial arrangement. Students gain valuable experience, support and financial compensation, while faculty and staff receive essential assistance. It’s a great way to make campus life even more vibrant and exciting!
What are student jobs?
Student jobs on campus range from serving as a department assistant or graphic designer or food service worker. Student job hours will vary with starting pay of minimum wage. Some universities provide increased pay for working the same job for a second year or having supervisory duties.
Your earnings might appear in your financial aid package to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. However, securing a student job isn’t automatic as you still need to apply to be hired. Additionally, your pay isn’t automatically applied to your tuition, but you have the freedom to choose whether your paychecks go towards your campus bill or are deposited into your bank account. It’s all about what works best for you!
What are the benefits of working on campus?
1. Gain valuable skills.
Whether you are working in an office for your student job or in the fitness center, you are gaining transferable skills for your future career. These skills include problem solving, customer service, communication skills and teamwork, all which enhance your experience in collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
2. Determine your goals.
Sometimes figuring out what you don’t want to do it just as important as finding your true passion. For example, working at a welcome desk might help you realize that interacting with people all day isn’t your thing, and you’d rather have a job where you can work more behind the scenes.
3. Build your resume.
Look for a campus job that supports your personal interests and professional goals. A dietetics student may look for a job in food service, while a history major may be intrigued by a job in the archives. However, not all available campus jobs will meet your interests so neatly. Buildings and grounds hires many students as custodians and landscapers. Regardless of whether your campus job directly supports your career goals or not, you will be gaining transferable skills and building relationships.
4. Create connections.
Build connections with your supervisor and colleagues. They can become mentors, job references, and a support system during your college career. Networking and building relationships in your college experience allows you to meet people who will celebrate your successes and offer encouragement during challenging times.
“Working on campus has been a game changer for me-it’s like having a mentor who challenges you to grow while always having your back. I can ask for advice without feeling like I’m overstepping, and I’m learning more every day!”-Caleb F.
5. Flexible hours.
On-campus supervisors are used to working around student schedules with classes, labs and practices. Open and honest communication is key. You will work with your supervisor to set work hours based on your class schedule and other commitments. Be sure to communicate early if/when your schedule changes!
“Having an on-campus job with flexible hours is amazing! I get to choose my hours and earn extra money without it interfering with my classes or practices. It’s the perfect balance and I’m grateful for the flexibility to work around my schedule.”-Andrew C.
6. Succeed academically.
It might sound crazy, but taking on a campus job can actually boost your performance in class. Maybe it’s because you get extra support, or you have to stay organized and manage your time better. Whatever the reason, it’s definitely a good thing!
7. Fun money!
You may not make as much as you’d like on a campus job. But being able to gain valuable skills and build relationships while earning a little bit of extra cash for other activities!
How to get a student job?
Make sure to check your my.bluffton account under the learn and earn page for all available campus job opportunities! You can also reach out to faculty and staff if you are interested in working for them or their department!
At Bluffton University
Bluffton’s student job program is known as Learn and Earn. The expectation is that students learn much from working on campus while they earn a paycheck. Student jobs on campus are open to all students.
