Introduction
I’ve had at least one job on campus since February of my freshman year, and I’m now a junior. In other words, I’ve had a lot of time to figure out the best and hardest parts of having a job as a student, and I’m here today to share those with you!
Where do I work?
My primary job is working in Campus Print and Mail. Depending on if I’m working Saturday or if I pick up extra shifts in the week, I’m there for about 12 hours each week this semester. Sometimes shifts are slow and sometimes they’re absolutely wild… either way, I really enjoy working there.
I also work for the Hope Admissions Blog, writing pieces like the one you’re reading right now! My blogging job is a lot more flexible, and all virtual. I write a few posts a month based on a schedule we make at the start of each semester. It blows my mind, still, that I get paid to write… it’s such a joy.
What do I like about my jobs?
I love working in the mailroom because of the community there. I’ve been there for almost three years, and I’ve gotten to know my bosses and many of my coworkers well. I love catching up and chatting with them, and even dealing with hectic Amazon deliveries alongside them.
I’ve always loved writing — and I love Hope — so writing for the Admissions Blog has also been such a special thing for me. I love that I can choose my own topics, share my experiences, stories, and photos, all in the hopes of helping people who are making a college decision. Writing, for me, has always been therapeutic. It’s a way to catalog and organize my thoughts, to dive into my own brain and see how I’m feeling. I’m so thankful that I have these posts, dating back a year now. I’ll always be able to go back and look at what I was involved in at Hope, the events I was excited about, and the places around Holland. I love this job because it’s like a time capsule… and it’s one I get to share with you!
How much do I work in a school week?
In the mailroom, I work around 12 hours during the school week. Each semester, I have a different schedule that adheres to my needs (depending on my course load, when my classes are, etc). I’ve worked as little as six hours in a semester, and the twelve I’m at now is my highest so far.
For blogs, of course, my hours are a lot more flexible. I write when I have extra time or need a break from school. Right now, for example, it’s a Monday night at seven and I’ve just finished my homework for the day. I’ve definitely found writing my blogs is a great way to wind down from schoolwork.
Does working make it harder to do your best in school?
Honestly, so far into my time working as a student, I’ve found that having a job actually helps me do my best in school. On Wednesdays, for example, I go to the mailroom for a few hours in between classes. I’ve found that this gets me out of my head for a bit, allows me to engage with customers and people I work with, and allows me to be a little active (whether I’m lifting packages from a big delivery, walking back and forth loading Amazon Luxer lockers, or taking a paper order to the proper building). After some time working, I find myself in a better mood. I’ve found a productive way to disengage from academics for a little bit, and I’m ready to go back to the rest of my day.
Sometimes at work, we do get the time to do homework while we wait for people to come pick up their mail. We can never depend on it, though. I’ve learned to never say I’ll just finish an assignment at work! How much downtime you have definitely depends on the campus job you have, but for me, the mailroom has been a good balance.
One more thing to consider… Working an on-campus job specifically means you usually are not scheduled on campus-wide breaks, and your bosses also understand that school ultimately is a priority. My bosses have been understanding if I’ve had to meet with a professor or take an exam during my typically scheduled shift. I don’t think working makes it harder to do your best in school, so long as you communicate your needs and pay attention to what’s being asked of you both academically and in the workplace.
Advice for Those Considering Working on Campus:
If you’re considering a campus job, I would recommend going to Handshake (a career website for Hope students) and seeing what options are available. Some of my friends are drivers for CASA, others work for Campus Ministry chaplains, work in the library, or are TAs and Peer Advisors. The diversity of jobs offered at Hope is super cool to see! If you have a few extra hours in your week, I think you’ll find that the payoff (both financially and socially, mentally, and professionally) is worth the investment.
You got this! Oh, and thanks, by the way, for supporting one of my on-campus jobs. 😉