Being a second semester junior is seemingly all it’s cracked up to be. Classes are piling up, clubs are in full swing, internships are on the horizon, and adulting is slowly becoming much more real. One very simple way to get your foot in the real world though, is to get an on campus job.
I know this sounds scary, and will add something else onto your already very full plate, but believe me, it is totally worth it. Currently, I am a student manager working nights at my college library. This job has not only given me firsthand experience in working with students and faculty, but also the public. Our library is open to the public for book rentals and computer usage, so it has been a very useful tool for me.
Now, I have worked in a grocery store and done my share of other jobs here and there, but nothing quite like this. The sense of community you get from working on your campus is indescribable. Honestly, it stems from being the first face (masked of course) that people see when they walk through those giant doors. As a manager, my first task every shift is to greet our students/faculty/etc. who enter, and make them feel at home. Then, for the first couple of weeks after the regular library goers come in and out, they start to notice you around campus as the front desk lady! Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way though, as I have made some great friendships from those small interactions that I wouldn’t change for the world.
After the chit chat though, it’s down to business, and business is pretty simple. Make sure people wear their masks, socially distance, check out their books properly or back in properly, help when help is needed, etc. Our staff is working to make this job resumé worthy for our futures, and I think that is awesome. Even if it doesn’t make the cut though, I feel that I am leaving with some excellent people for references.
On campus jobs can also be used as work-studies to help students pay back on their tuition as they work through college. If this is something you choose to do, and are eligible for that route, then definitely take it because it can only help. Money is money, and there’s nothing wrong with that my friends.
Anyways, working in this environment has made me realize that applying and interviewing for jobs is scary, especially when you’re brand new. I started this job my first semester of sophomore year, and I was terrified of screwing it up. If I hadn’t taken that leap though, I wouldn’t have made the connections I have, nor would I be a manager, or have some of the skills I have obtained. So if you’re considering working on campus, and haven’t taken that leap yet, DO IT and see what the future has in store for you!