Why This Is The Year To Get Your First Job

Why This Is The Year To Get Your First Job Bostwick cafeteria at Bucknell University.Image via Brooke Peterson, college.usatoday.com Dining halls and bookstores are a few popular places to try. The hours are reasonable and the work is not too demanding. College campuses have endless opportunities; working in the library or at the gym can even be an option. Also, check the surrounding areas for possible job opportunities. Tutoring and babysitting might be wanted for neighboring schools. Likewise, check out the local restaurants for positions to be a host, busser, or waiter. Keep in mind that since these sorts of jobs are not through the school, you will have to make your schedule yourself. Let your boss know that you are a student and can only work certain days for a set number of hours. Working in college does not have to be a strenuous full-time job. Dont forget about part-time jobs. In this day and age, jobs are offered online as well. Try freelance writing for leisure to make some extra money. Working from your computer means you never have to leave your bed, except for class of course. The key to working in college is “part-time.” It is important not to overwork yourself. Do not try looking for complicated, intricate jobs. It is okay to just be making minimum wage. Speaking of minimum wage, college students are normally known for being broke. With extra money on hand, you will be able to do so much more. And by that, I mean, order guacamole at Chipotle. Earning a few extra bucks is better than earning zero. Working develops job skills. In addition to the cash, working can teach you skills that sitting in a lecture cannot. To start with: time management. Balancing work and school will help you get organized and be productive. Sitting around and watching TV may be a procrastinator’s dream, but it is certainly a problem. Having a job will motivate you to get your work done before your shift starts. Depending on the work you do, different skills can be attained over time. You can develop your abilities to work in a team, work under pressure, or simply become more responsible. Looking at the big picture, it is better to obtain these skills during your four years in college rather than to come out with your degree in business, but not in customer service. Problem solving and handling money can only be dealt with so much in a classroom. Pursuing a part-time job in retail will give college students the feel for the material world. Working at a clothing/shoe store is another example of a potential job. Its all about experience. It all comes down to experience. When looking for a “real” job, employers look for proficiency as well as college degrees. Nevertheless, there are rich, successful people who never went to college. They most likely acquired their skills working their way up. A famous name we all know, Walt Disney, dropped out of high school. So how did he reach his goals in life? Disney was the cartoonist for his school’s paper (before he dropped). He took it upon himself to get a job early in life. From this he learned what he loved. Having a small job turned into having an animation career. Walt Disney sketching out Mickey Mouse.Image via disneyexaminer.com Working in college can really help you discover yourself. You may have wanted to be a teacher, but after tutoring kids you realize it is not for you. Working in the dining halls could further motivate you to study hard, in fear of that being your job forever. Another thing to think about is networking. Having a job opens doors. Meet and connect with the right people and you could attain an even better job in the future. Will you miss out? Yes, the extra money is fun. And yes, working and studying has the potential to be overwhelming. Addressing the cons and rethinking them is not too difficult to do. “If you work, you will miss out on so much.” This can be true. But only if you let it happen. This is why I recommend only working a few days a week, or even just a few hours. In the end though, the money outweighs the negatives. Also, if you feel the job will distract or pull you away from your academics then, by all means, do not get one. This is your choice. Do what you love. Do what interests you. In the end it all comes down to experience in the real world.