In departments around campus, students are finding work that is flexible with their school schedules and congruent with their career paths.
Katie Shepard, a graduate student in library studies, has worked as a student assistant for Gorgas Information Services since last May.
“I need experience as a library student in this kind of setting,” she said.
Shepard, who also works in cataloging, values the opportunity to work close with others the career experience her job affords her.
“I’m integrated into the community and working directly with people who are doing what I want to do,” she said. “This student job is a great way to be immersed in what I want as a career—plus you always need money.”
Despite the work availability, Shepard pointed out that student workers are not allowed to work full time when they are taking classes.
“The University limits our work hours, and that can be frustrating,” she said. “When I am taking classes, I am limited to 20 hours a week, but since it is summer and I am not in class, I try to work 10-15 hours a week here and then 10-15 upstairs in cataloging.”
Jonathan Harris, a junior majoring in computer science, has worked for the last year and a half as a systems assistant in the Office of Educational Technology.
“This is what I want to do”, Harris said. “I also took the job because I thought it would be fun and it has been.”
Harris, who handles various technological duties for the College of Arts and Sciences, enjoys many aspects of student worker life on campus.
“First, you’re on campus and don’t have to drive really [far] to get from class to work, which is nice,” he said. “Also, everyone on campus seems very nice – it’s better than working in a grocery store or fast food where you are just stuck there.”
Harris also cited flexibility with his school schedule as a determining factor in looking for employment while balancing school and other projects.
“One of the nice things about being a student worker is how they work around your schedule,” he said. “It’s one of those things that is never a problem if you need off to study for a test or have to leave for class.”
“Over 4000 students work in on-campus positions for UA,” Vaishali Patel, a recruitment specialist for the University said. “One of the main reason students choose to work is to earn money to help cover the costs of college and living expenses.”
She also pointed to another resource that is aimed to get students into the workforce.
“Another resource for job-seeking students: short-term employment opportunities available through Help@Home,” she said. “Help@Home acts as a connection service for UA students looking for short-term employment.”
Students seeking both on and off campus employment can visit jobs.ua.edu or contact UA Student Jobs at [email protected].
