College students often fantasize that their summer jobs will provide them with enough income to last them not only through the summer, but also into the fall. Somewhere along the line these illusions are dashed - be it after that week-long bender down the shore or at the campus bookstore check-out counter. If one thing is certain, it's that part-time jobs are crucial for students whose summer earnings have run dry.
When deciding on a part-time job while at school, many factors come into play that do not exist during the summer. The foremost of these is the class schedule.
Working around classes can be a daunting task, especially for students whose classes are spread out throughout the day. Students with scattered classes should only consider an off-campus job if it offers extreme flexibility in scheduling work hours.
"On-campus jobs offer much more flexibility than off-campus jobs," Danny Cotoia, senior business administration and finance major, said.
Another factor to consider is the cost and availability of transportation. Since freshmen are only allowed a two-week parking permit per semester, their work options are typically limited to on-campus jobs.
However, students who have vehicles and want to work off campus must still take into account unpredictable gasoline prices and, if they are heading to work right after class, the amount of time they will need to prepare for work.
A student survey on job preferences taken during the dinner hours in Eickhoff Hall yielded an almost 50-50 split between the number of students working on campus and the number who choose to work off campus.
Because the spectrum of jobs within these two categories is incredibly broad, this article will focus solely on jobs that were held by numerous students in the survey.
On-Campus Jobs
Residential and Community Development
The office of Residential and Community Development offers many jobs to undergraduate students, from the dynamic duties of the community advisors and community coordinators to the relatively cut-and-dried responsibilities of the hall security workers. Other positions include house assistants, peer advisors and office assistants. The application processes vary for each of these jobs. For information on the individual jobs and how to apply, visit the Residential and Community Development section of the College's Web site.
Tutoring
Tutoring is a popular choice for students who have patience and a natural affinity for helping others. According to the College's Web site, campus tutoring services are split between mathematics and science, and the humanities and social sciences. Requirements for a tutoring position in mathematics and science include a 3.0 GPA or better and at least a B in the course or courses that the student wants to tutor. Requirements for a humanities and social sciences tutoring position include a 3.0 GPA or better, at least a B+ in the course or courses that the student wants to tutor, enrollment in two one-credit training courses and a willingness to tutor at least five hours per week. Three faculty recommendations are also required.
Students may apply at the end of October for a tutoring position for the spring semester.
Bookstore
The campus bookstore is one place that always seems to be hiring. The advantages to this job include a 20 percent discount on textbooks, an up to 35 percent discount on other merchandise and a flexible work schedule that puts classes as the top priority.
Recreation Center
Another popular place to work on campus is the Recreation Center. According to Diego Rosado, junior criminology and justice studies major, jobs at the "rec center" are very easy and laid back and "allow you to get a lot of homework done."
Off-Campus Jobs
Retail Outlets
Retail jobs are by far the most popular off-campus jobs. Clothing stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle rely on college students as a large portion of their staff. With the Quaker Bridge Mall only a stone's throw away, many students with access to transportation opt for these positions.
Restaurant Jobs
The appeal of working in a restaurant obviously lies in the tips. The hourly pay of waitstaff and busboys is normally rather modest, especially for those who are just starting out at the job. However, all it takes is one busy weekend's worth of tips to forget about the measly wages. The numerous bar and grill chains that line Route 1 in Lawrenceville, including Chili's, Applebee's and TGI Friday's, are particularly popular places of employment.
Students who wish to apply for an on-campus job can do so through the Student Employment Service at the College's Web site.
