A $335.25 receipt for books isn't usually cause for an epiphany, but for students whose parents didn't pick up the tab, lazy visions of weekends playing Xbox and going to the bars vanished like the hard-earned dough in their pockets. That vision is replaced with weekends working in the library, in offices and even in the dining hall as students strive to stay financially afloat through the semester.
Having the ability to balance a job and schoolwork takes effort and planning, but plenty of students are pulling it off at UB. With work-study and part-time jobs available all over campus, students don't have to look far to make some cash, and making money isn't exactly cruel labor.
Eddie Lau, a junior accounting major, has been working at the Main Street Market dining hall on South Campus since he was a freshman. He is now the student manager and has been for three years.
Working 25 to 30 hours a week helps him pay the bills he acquires living off campus but unfortunately does nothing to help him study. After spending all of those hours directing student employees on what to cook and how to serve, it's not easy to find time and energy for schoolwork.
"You can't fall behind," Lau said. "Being able to discipline yourself is necessary for that kind of workload. I do homework in between classes."
For those that want a job within walking distance, working at one of the campus dining halls is a successful place to start. Managers of the dining halls are flexible with their schedules and allow students to put school first.
In addition, Lau knows that this experience in a leadership position and his dedication to the job will look appealing on his r?(c)sum?(c) to potential employers.
Tim Henessey, general manager of the Main Street Market, said that college students make good employees, and that there are actually more students interested in working for campus dining than possible job openings.
"We realize school is most important," Henessey said. "So students can take on as many or as few hours as they'd like. This kind of flexibility would be difficult to find in a job off campus."
Campus Dining and Shops appreciate the work that students do for them.
"Students are a vital part of our operation, so the managers do what they can to make sure their workers have an incentive to stay," Henessey said.
Food service however, is not the only potential work site for students. There is also the option of finding an internship or full-time job openings pertaining to your major at a wide range of companies.
The Career Services homepage allows students to access employer postings along with job descriptions and salaries. Similar to sites like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com, students can even post their r?(c)sum?(c)s and wait for responses from interested employers.
Erin Murphy, a freshman undecided major, hopes to stay for some time at her clerical job under the vice president of Student Affairs. She currently works 12 hours each week and uses her $7-an-hour wage for spending money.
Even more valuable she said however, is the structured lifestyle created by having a job. She makes a routine for herself to allow time for work and time for studying.
"Having a job helps me stay focused because there's less time to waste procrastinating," Murphy said.
Doing tasks like paper work, answering phones, and taking messages, Murphy finds she still has some leniency in the workplace. Her bosses understand that school is Murphy's first priority and will give her time to study if she needs it.
Another positive aspect of having an on-campus job is the experience. Pat McManus, a junior civil engineering major, uses his job as a resident advisor to develop his leadership skills and to contribute to his r?(c)sum?(c).
According to McManus, being an RA means improving discipline, responsibility, and being in control of a situation. These are all new skills for McManus, who hopes to own an engineering firm in the future.
While RAs have the benefit of a discounted meal plan and a free room on campus, McManus uses his money to pay for extra food and eventually pay off loans with his other job delivering campus mail.
The 10-hour a week job, plus that of guiding the freshman on his floor through their tumultuous first year means utilizing time management, something all students must possess if they're hoping to juggle work and class. McManus had one piece of advice for fellow students.
"Go to bed early," McManus said. "Getting an ample amount of sleep gives you the energy to make the dough and get the A's."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
