by Allissa
(Youngstown, Ohio)
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by Jody Wacker
(Pipestone, MN, USA)
Garnering appropriate work experience is as important as the money those experiences bring in, making the best college job unique to each individual.
My recommendation is to secure a job in your preferred field. The benefits are cumulative and can help turn a job into a career. Not only will you earn spending money (or tuition) while in college, you will also gain knowledge of the business from the ground up. This hands-on, comprehensive understanding of an industry is worth more than a mere paycheck. Future employers will recognize your hard work and dedication, as you will have received not only your college education, but also on the job training, making you more valuable than a newbie with fewer relevant experiences.
Additionally, the promotions you earn will be within the company or field, thereby increasing your chances of permanent hire later on. Lastly, these jobs put you in touch with the right people in the right industry who can write strong letters of recommendation for internships, grad school or future employment.
For instance, the jobs I took as a student were focused on people. I worked for group homes, in preschools and for two social service agencies. This was the perfect training for my psychology background and future career in child protection and advocacy.
If you want a career in business or human resources, work for a superstore or department store, moving through the ranks to manager by graduation. If you'd like to pursue a culinary career, don't dig ditches. Save those jobs for engineer or construction students. Be smart about your time and talents and use your unique skills, experiences and interests to get ahead: financially and professionally.
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by Megan Urz
(Independence, Kentucky)
High School Senior Picture
My passion is singing. When I come home from school, I walk in the door and I’m singing. It just brings me joy and I love sharing my joy. My first “big” job was being hired as an entertainer at Coney Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This summer will be my third summer performing, doing something I love. Just working seasonally has allowed me to save money for college expenses.
Now I am a freshman in college at Northern Kentucky University in their BFA Musical Theatre Program. As a musical theatre student, it’s difficult to work through the school year because my day can be long with ballet, tap, voice and gen ed courses. If I’m not casted in a show, I’m working the stage crew or seating people during the season. When casted in a show, I’m can be at school until 11 pm at least 5 days a week. Let's face it. We college students are busy and can be pulled in so many different directions, so budgeting is key if one can’t work through the school year. I budget my gas expenses for the whole year so I’m not asking my parents for gas money. I have an “envelope” system. When I’m paid, I set aside money for college, emergencies, tithes (I believe in giving back), gas, and even an envelope for fun with my friends. Sounds kind of old fashioned but it works! I can visually see what I’m spending because I’m paying with cash. It also helps me not to spend on things I don’t really need because once that cash leaves my hands, I know it’s gone.
A few odd jobs I’ve had through the school year that works around my school schedule is working birthday parties. I’ve made extra cash by dressing up as the Disney Princess Belle. I get to be a character, read to children, sing and get paid for it. I have so much fun, it doesn’t feel like work. I’ve sung at a funeral, (of course I didn’t ask for money), but they insisted. I would love to sing at weddings.
My advice to high school and college students is to work hard. Be the best and give your best no matter what you’re doing. Whether it’s flipping burgers, scooping ice-cream, or singing, others will notice your work ethic which I believe always has a return in some way or fashion. Word of mouth goes a long way, and has opened up different doors for me, as it can for anyone who demonstrates joy in what they are doing.
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