For many students, living on a strained budget is a large part of the college experience. Between textbooks, going out on weekends, and the ever-rising cost of living, many students succumb to a life of macaroni and cheese.
But for students wanting to improve their financial status, there is usually just one solution available: getting a job. The problem then becomes learning to juggle a full-time class schedule and an active social life without leading an economically challenged existence.
Graduate Assistant for Career Services Brent Arcangel said that one practical solution to this problem is to look for an on-campus job.
"On-campus employers usually realize that students have a life and schedule outside of campus. A lot of them will work around a student's schedule," he said.
To help students obtain employment, Arcangel said Career Planning and Placement provides features such as job and internship postings on its Web site, http://www.ub-careers.buffalo.edu.
"For a student, we have paid internships on our site. The best advice that I could give is to get your foot in the door of a professional organization. It gives students the experience of working in an office in the professional world," said Arcangel.
"The most realistic jobs for students are those on campus," said Amy Niertit, a senior majoring in bio-medical sciences. "Employers on campus are more understanding of the academic demands on students and are more flexible."
Although working on-campus is often easier and more convenient, students should not expect to make a fortune working for an on-campus organization, according to Arcangel.
"In some ways, on-campus jobs are a lot more beneficial, even if you could make more money with an off-campus job. I mean, you'll probably start off with minimum wage, and work your way up to about $6.25 per hour (in an on-campus job)," said Arcangel. "There's probably more potential (for making more money) working at an off-campus job, but what is lost is the opportunity to get involved on campus."
Participation in university activities is another motivation for some students to seek on-campus employment.
"I wanted an on-campus job in the Alumni Arena Pro Shop so I could meet people and study while I work," said Sabrina Kharouba, a junior political science major. "I am trying to save money to study abroad but would like to still be involved in school while I am working."
Despite the benefits of working on-campus jobs, some still seek better-paying employment off campus.
Wegman's on Alberta Drive, for example, is open 24 hours a day, accommodating both students burning the midnight oil and the time-consumed employee.
"Half of my department is college students," said Wegman's bakery Department Manager Phil Steiner. In addition to part-time employment, Wegman's offers scholarships, summer management internship programs, health benefits and flexible schedules.
Whether a student's goal is extra cash and the desire to get involved, or simply to save money for car payments or loan repayment, the idea of getting a job is one that each student should consider before eating another dinner of Ramen Noodles.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
