Will Work for Tuition

Being a student is expensive. Costs appear everywhere. As a commuter, there was gas, car insurance, and maintenance on my vehicle to pay for. Maintaining a cell phone and the costs of food were also necessary expenses. And the price of housing is as high as ever. That is where student employment can help. I have mitigated the costs that would have otherwise left me unable to stay in school solely through employment on campus.

If you are looking for employment on campus, umjobs.org is the first place you should go. This site has all the official job listings at the university. Different departments and offices have different requirements so taking a thorough look through it is necessary. Also job postings pop up all the time, some with small windows of opportunity to apply, so if you are in the market for on-campus work then checking back regularly is a must.

Many of the jobs on the umjobs.org site that are available to students are work-study based. Work-study is a federally sponsored program that is a part of a student’s financial aid package. While filling out your FAFSA, you have the ability to check a box that says you would like to receive work-study aid for the upcoming academic year. Once your financial aid package has been processed, there may be an option for you to either accept or deny work-study funding. Work-study positions are not only a great way to make ends meet while attending class, but can also be a source of valuable experience for certain career fields. If an office that holds your major has an opening, it is a great chance to work alongside professionals and boost your credentials.

I happened to get a position working in the Financial Aid Office during my second year here. It was an amazing opportunity. I gained a network of supportive student-orientated staff members who treated me with respect in regards to my student status. They worked around my class, homework, and exam schedule as well as motivated me to do well in regards to my academics. I learned a lot about what it takes to run a department at a major institution like UM-Flint and was able to add that valuable experience to my resume. Besides the professional and financial benefits, I also felt like I had a small home on campus that made me feel welcome and valued.

I have also had the pleasure of working for professors in the psychology department and Housing and Residential Life. My experiences have been different for each employer, but one thing has remained consistent. My employers had a regard for my studies and my advancement as a student that an outside employer may not have had.

There may also be an opportunity to create your own position within the university. Be bold and ask around your major’s department. Talk to a professor after class to inquire about any teaching assistant positions that may be available. Often departments or offices on campus have funding that can be allotted to a part time position that could fit you perfectly. My best advice is to keep your ears open and do not limit yourself when searching for student employment. Check your email, visit umjobs.org, and work your networks to find that position. College is much more than an opportunity to learn in a classroom. It can be an opportunity to gain experience and make some cash until you land that big CEO position after graduation.