Marrying work and school

With the recession continuing to wreak havoc on employment, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find jobs that are stable.

With the recession continuing to wreak havoc on employment, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find jobs that are stable. This can be even more difficult for a student, who may lack the work experience and flexible schedule that more competitive applicants can boast.

When faced with a lack of gainful employment, what is a student’s best option?

Many students don’t realize that there are a vast number of student positions available here at Portland State. Almost every department in the university has at least one student worker employed. The work experience can be varied, but generally is somewhat clerical in nature.

Some are aware of these positions, but may have some doubts. Is the wage worth it? I don’t want to be on campus all the time. How competitive are the jobs at the university?

Wages can vary, but are generally competitive. It is really dependent on what kind of work you do, and which department you are working in. Hours also vary, with some positions offering as little as 5-10 hours a week, and some offering up to full-time work.

You can fulfill work-study with your hours, or apply for a job on campus that pays a regular wage. Some positions, like with the Graduate Business Programs Office, offer both.

Working on campus can also be incredibly convenient. I am able to finish up with my classes, and walk a mere two blocks to my office. I don’t have to worry about transportation costs, being late or how the weather might impede my getting there.

Competition is high for these jobs. Any opening anywhere, especially now, is competitive. These positions are limited to students, and there are many to choose from. Apply for as many as you feel you are qualified for!

There are also two important benefits to consider when looking for university student work: flexibility and experience.

Student worker jobs are designed for students, meaning that your school schedule comes first. You aren’t going to be penalized for taking classes—your employer fully expects that you will. While they do expect you to fulfill your hours and duties just like any other boss, they also are conscious and respectful of your duties to your education.

Another great perk about the flexibility of schedules here is the hours. You are able to work during the day, and have your evenings free to socialize, or dare I say, do homework. You also have weekends off. How many students are out there working nights and weekends at an exhausting job with minimal cash flow?

Experience is perhaps an even greater benefit. Bachelor’s degrees are becoming less and less beneficial without work experience in many fields. In the Graduate Business Programs Office, work experience is even a requirement to attend graduate school. What better way to make money and attain skills than to work where you live and attend courses?

Some advice here would be to especially concentrate on getting a position in an office where your curriculum is based. If you are a psychology major, get a job in the psychology department (provided one is available).

You are not only gaining skills at that point, but also doing work that you will find interesting. Explore your creative side, too. Student jobs for media outlets on campus such as KPSU, Pathos Literary Magazine, and Portland State’s three newspapers not only give you some extra padding in the wallet, but can be mentally rewarding as well.

The bottom line is that pursuing a job at PSU can line your pockets, provide you with work experience and be pretty darn convenient. So, if you are hurting for work, I would recommend considering this option.