A job? In college? Aren’t you going to have enough on your plate just going to class, writing papers and studying, not to mention adjusting to a whole new environment, trying to make friends and establish some sort of social life for yourself, and exploring clubs and other organizations to feel like a part of your college community? Of course! But…let me share with you a few things my buddies in college have told me about the benefits of having a job in college…aside from the paycheck.
First let’s talk work study. What is this? If you qualify for it, work study is a form of financial aid that offers you a job through on campus to offset some of your tuition and expenses. The benefits of work study are numerous. First of all, you will have the opportunity to set your work schedule around your class schedule. Additionally, if you are able to get a position in the department of your major, you will have the chance to become more immersed in your own career path. As an added bonus, you will have a greater chance of rubbing shoulders with the very professors you maybe in the classroom with later on…which can always help you down the road.
As for a job off campus? The benefits are tremendous here, as well. First off, if you’ve never had a job until this point, there’s no time like the present to start BUILDING WORK EXPERIENCE. Take the opportunity to beef up that resume! Worried about the time commitment? This is a good point to consider, however, for some for my friends, the added responsibility of a job made them more adept at time management. A job enabled them to stay more focused during their time spent studying and their final grades were a positive refection of this. Some other pluses? If you take a position at a restaurant or retail store close to campus, chances are you’ll not only be working with other students, but you’ll in a constant environment of other students…and—there could be free food or a discount associated with these types of jobs. I like free food! What a great way to meet new people? Furthermore, it says a lot about a person who is working to help fund his or her own education. It shows you understand that it is important to invest in yourself! Not only is this another excellent resume-builder, but the boss you have in college is a prime candidate to provide you with a glowing letter of recommendation down the road…when you’re applying for that job you’re going to class for.
A final word about student loans. For some, they’re an inevitable resource; and don’t forget: A degree you have to borrow money to pay for is better than no degree at all. A word to the wise, however: DON’T BORROW MORE THAN YOU REALLY NEED. Case in point, my buddy Roscoe accepted the full amount he was eligible for every semester, even though he only needed about half to cover his expenses. What did he do with the residual cash? He equipped his apartment with a brand new entertainment center and furniture. Don’t get me wrong, I think his roommates got a lot of mileage out of Guitar Hero and the satellite service with 800 channels. And I know Roscoe enjoyed brushing up on his Chem. homework in that La-Z-Boy, but do you know how much that stuff costs with a 6.8% (or more) APR over 20 years. Well, Roscoe graduated last year and as he now adjusts to life in the REAL WORLD, he’s just beginning to find out. Lucky for Roscoe, he hung on to that recliner, because right now he’s feeling a little…trapped.
Woof,
Clyde
