Student Employment
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Student Employment |
Is it hard to go to school full-time and still keep a job?
Working while enrolled in college full-time is not advised. To get the most out of your education, you will need time to study, to participate in extra-curricular activities, and to take advantage of opportunities available only to students. Every student should be thinking about activities that will impress employers and that will enhance skills and knowledge. Typically, it is not student-level employment positions that impress future employers. What employers look for are internships, specialty courses, participation in the college community (e.g., the student government, Black & Gold, and academic clubs), and indications of academic achievement (e.g., honor roles & awards). Engaging in such activities and doing well require time and flexible schedules. Attending classes and just getting by with studies so that work hours can be met is far from the ideal.
What if I have to work in order to afford college?
College is a choice. Being a student is also a full-time "job." Students need to realize that they are investing time and money in their future earning potential and job satisfaction. Doing well these four years will greatly impact students' futures. Going to college may mean applying for school loans, grants or work-study, borrowing from family members, and being poor. If you must work, work as few hours as possible to survive. If you must work full-time or near, consider going to college part-time or through the evening program. This may simply not be the time for college.
What if I pay for all my college expenses by credit card? Is that a good idea?
Absolutely not! Credit card interest rates are typically 16-18%. Introductory rates for the first 5-6 months may be low, but that's simply to lure people into using the cards. One of the consequences of credit cards being so available to everyone is over-spending. You do not want to go through college working many hours simply to pay monthly credit card debt. You also do not want to graduate so in debt that an end cannot be seen. College loans, in contrast, typically have low interest rates, monthly payments are usually small, and repayment does not begin until after graduation.