Homework and flexible hours, all in a college day's work

By Molly Gore

Imagine a job with no commute, nearly unconditional flexibility and a network of friends, not cubicle-mates. Welcome to the perks of on-campus employment.

At any given time, about 25 percent of the student body is employed on university grounds, and their testimonies praise the flexibility and convenience of their jobs.

"It's obvious students are here to go to school, not to work, and flexibility is a major advantage. Some students even choose jobs because they can do homework during them, and there's nothing wrong with that," said Manager of Student Employment Robert Haun.

If there's a downside, it might be slowing the graduation rate of seniors reluctant to enter the "real world" after working a job at their doorstep during what hours they please.

Choosing one's hours is something of a pipe dream in the work world, and an ever-present draw for student workers.

Haun cites the university's priority of education over employment as a reason for the flexibility, and no one is complaining.

"My boss is really understanding when it comes to needing time off for finals or midterms. When you need to change your schedule, they understand that we are students," said sophomore Erin Cleveland.

Cleveland began working as a student assistant to both the religious studies and modern languages departments during fall quarter of her freshman year, after applying for the position at the Fall Career Fair.

To help students find jobs, the Career Center offers resources like BroncoLink, the online job posting site, and networking opportunities like the seasonal Career Fairs. Haun wishes more students were aware of available resources, though some are having trouble using the new online setup.

"I wasn't completely comfortable using BroncoLink since it has been changed. It was different, and I wasn't sure at first how to use it," said junior Kyle Iwamoto.

Iwamoto began working on campus as a university ambassador during freshman year, and sophomore year started working as a desk receptionist in Casa Italiana.

"I heard (on-campus jobs were) flexible, and it's true. The part of it I like is meeting new people that are also connected to the university, and what the jobs themselves entail," said Iwamoto.

Iwamoto has since moved up to head desk receptionist at Casa Italiana, and undergraduate admissions lead student through expressing interest in leadership early on in his employment.

Frequently, news of open positions spreads through word-of-mouth more frequently than through the online resources provided by the university.

Sophomore Gary Iribarren obtained his position as an on-call caterer for Bon Appetit after hearing about openings through a friend.

"A friend told me about the position, so I just walked into the Bon Appetit office in the lower level of Benson, filled out an application and, for whatever reason, they hired me," said Iribarren.

Iribarren enjoys the favorable pay, as well as the flexibility of the position.

Positions as a desk receptionist or a file clerk may seem stale to some, but the most valuable part of working a seemingly mundane job is what many students may not even realize they are learning.

"What we are trying to create is an environment where students can build transferable skills from learning a lot about how to work -- from arriving on time to building communication skills. Effective and professional communication is a huge skill that students can carry through to other jobs. You're doing a lot more than you think when you work," said Haun.

Those employed on campus also enjoy the networking opportunities that are available through working with others on university grounds.

"It's like having a family on campus. You get to meet a lot of new students. I really think working here helped me to get my full-time job after graduation, too," said senior Kristina Reasner.

Reasner has worked as a student assistant at the Career Center since the first day of her freshman year, and plans to work as an auditor at KMPG after graduation. She credits her hiring to the networking available through meeting employers at the Career Center.

Though the reviews for working on campus seem to be generally favorable, there are certainly the downsides.

"I enjoy not having to drive anywhere and the flexibility, but my whole life is pretty much wrapped up in Santa Clara. I can see how someone would want to be employed outside the campus," said Cleveland.

A number of students hold jobs off campus as well, and a handful are "double employed," like Reasner, who works as a babysitter as well. She found the job on networking Web site Craigslist.com.

"I'm always driving off campus, but I really enjoy going into and being a part of that community, too," said Reasner.

Working on campus may just be a way of earning money for food and the expense of other college vices, but what comes of being employed may surpass senior year.

"You get a different view of the university and the way different departments work. You have the opportunity to build references, work on basic communication skills and diversify your resumé. A lot of students just need a paycheck, but it's important to take advantage of what positions they do have and build those transferable skills," said Haun.

Contact Molly Gore at (408) 551-1918 or mgore@scu.edu.