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WORKING A PART-TIME JOB IN COLLEGE
Coming into my first year at NMU, I debated if or when I should get a part-time job. I had worked throughout high school, but my college classes were different. I was worried that I would not be able to manage my course load while also working. At the end of the day, it all came down to one simple fact… I needed money.
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I decided to wait until after my freshman year to get a part-time job. However, to be proactive, I started looking for on-campus jobs towards the end of the winter semester of my freshman year. One of the great things about Northern is how easy they make it to look for jobs. Not only do we have the Career Services office where anyone can help you look for both on and off-campus jobs, but we also have access to Handshake. Handshake is a website that allows you to fill in basic information about yourself, and it will show you job opportunities that fit best for you! Luckily, I had a friend who worked as a Campus Visit Assistant in the Admissions office. Becoming a campus tour guide was something I could see myself really enjoying. That day she sent me the application, and I submitted it.
A few short days later, I nervously sat in the waiting room of the Admissions office, waiting to go in for my first interview. I had worked in high school as a server, but I’ve never had a real interview before. As I was walking into my potentially new boss's office, I was so scared. Thankfully I had nothing to worry about. My interview went great. It was easy to talk to both of the interviewers. A week later, I got a call that I GOT THE JOB. I was so happy and excited to start this new chapter in my life.
In my first semester of the job, I worked about 18 hours a week. I found that 18 hours was the perfect fit for me. I wasn’t overly stressed with working as a student, and I was making money! The thing I love the most about working on-campus is how easy it was to make my work schedule fit around my classes. I never had to worry about having to email my boss if I was accidentally scheduled to work during one of my classes. My schedule was set in stone, and it was PERFECT.
I learned all the reasons why working a part-time job as a full-time student was so beneficial.
Time management: Although it was hard at first, I found that working and studying allowed my time management skills to improve significantly. I could no longer wake up an hour before class and scramble to finish assignments. At first, I was a little annoyed by this, but it only helped me in the long run. I became one of those students who was actually organized. I had to learn how to split up my time between work and had to figure out when I was going to study, when I could hang out with my friends, and when I could simply relax and watch a movie.
Money management: I also developed better money management skills. Now that I had a steady flow of income, I could treat myself and move away from the 99 cent ramen and start buying real food. However, just because I was making money didn’t mean I could spend more. I needed to learn how to budget. I had to figure out how much to save and how much I could spend on groceries, supplies for school, and then, of course, what I could spend on things to treat myself like clothes and dinners out with friends.
New skills and connections: The thing that benefited me the most from working in college was the skills I learned and the people I met. Not only did I have a great job to add to my resume but I also met an entire team of people who are cheering me on throughout my college and professional journey. Now just because an on-campus job was right for me doesn’t mean that it’s right for everyone. There are so many great opportunities off-campus in a number of different fields. Students can find jobs or internships through Handshake or the traditional way by asking if certain organizations are hiring.
No matter what type of job you decide to get while in college, you will learn a lot of valuable information and skills that will help you after you graduate. However, it is important to remember why you are in school in the first place. Even though many college students get part-time jobs just to make more money, you can easily find jobs that you enjoy doing. I absolutely loved working in the Campus Visit Office, and I am very thankful for the opportunities it gave me.
If you want some extra help finding a job that is perfect for you, set up a meeting with the NMU Career Services office! You can learn more about services offered through NMU Career Services here.