On-Campus Employment, Why You Should Apply

By Abbey Schwab

What’s better than scholarships, lifelong friendships, birthday parties, and awards? You probably
think, what do those things have to do with on-campus employment? Well, I am here to tell you
those are just a few things I have gained and experienced through my jobs here at Pittsburg State
University. I want to look at five incredible benefits I have seen first-hand from my on-campus
employment and why you should apply today.

When I was a freshman, I did not think I would want an on-campus job. As time went on, I felt
disconnected from the true college experience. I wanted something that connected me to the
people who could help me most; that’s when I decided to look for a job on-campus. I soon found
out on-campus employment is a great way to build relationships, make money, and do homework
from time to time. During my time at Pittsburg State, I have worked in three different on-campus
jobs, including freshmen orientation leader, student clerical worker, and a teacher’s assistant.
Three years ago, I was hired for my first on-campus job, and every day I walk into work, I am
reminded it was the right choice.  

Networking, It’s More Fun Than It Sounds 

One of the most significant benefits of my on-campus employment has been the networking
opportunities with professors and important administrators on this campus. The people I interact
with in my jobs are incredibly diverse and entertaining. Here’s what I’ve gained through
networking at my on-campus employment and meeting the right people:

 Scholarships

 Invaluable advice

 Meeting the former Secretary of State

 Student Employee of the Year 

 Leadership positions 

I received my scholarship because my name was presented at the College of Arts and Sciences
meeting. If I had not had my on-campus jobs, no one on that committee would have known my
name. Because I worked in an office where I interacted with someone who held a high position
within the university, I was chosen for a scholarship that paid for my tuition for a whole year.
Through countless interactions with people, I have received advice on future employment,
lifelong choices, and how to pursue my passions. Through one of my on-campus jobs, I was
presented with the opportunity to meet former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. I was chosen
to sit on a panel of students who had the chance to ask her questions and engage in meaningful
conversations. I would never have had this fantastic experience had my boss not shared my name
with the event coordinator.
Through my hard work and dedication, I have been nominated for several awards at Pitt State,
including Student Employee of the Year. These experiences have allowed me to meet other
outstanding students and faculty at this university and hold multiple leadership positions on
campus. The people you work with will remember the kind of person you are, which will open
many doors to opportunities and experiences you never thought possible. 

The People at Your Job Become Family

I have two bosses at my clerical job, and I often interact with professors in the department office.
In the last three years at this job, I have built relationships I am confident I will have for the rest
of my life. The countless conversations, advice, and laughs we have shared enhanced my
experience at Pitt State immensely. There will be many days in college where you do not want to
get out of bed and go to work or class. You will also have days where you cannot see the light at
the end of the tunnel, whether it’s personal problems or academic. On those hard days, the
people I work with have been a great support system. 

My coworkers know about my family and have met the important people in my life. They ask
about my weekends and how life outside of work is going. My boss has thrown me birthday
parties and given me Christmas gifts. Coworkers can benefit your mental health tremendously. 

 Strong support system

 Encouragement 

 Help mental health 

Knowing that you always have someone in your corner is one of the greatest gifts you can ask
for, and I promise the people you work with on-campus will do anything to help you. On those
days when you do poorly on a test or miss your family, your coworkers can be a tremendous
encouragement. When you can laugh and talk about things that have come up throughout the
day, it improves your mental health. One of the biggest reasons I chose Pittsburg State is how
friendly and caring the faculty and staff were. That transfers over into the employment
opportunities for students; you could work with the same people that made you want to attend
this university.

Flexibility For You

When it comes to finding a job that will put your education first, there is no other place to be
than in an on-campus job. A big part of the college experience is being involved in clubs and
organizations, which sometimes require traveling or attending events. My on-campus jobs have
been very flexible with allowing me to attend my needed events and meetings.

They ask you to provide your schedule each semester so that they can tailor your work hours
around your class and meeting times. As a commuter student, having an on-campus job that
allows me to work in-between classes enables me to save money on gas and not wait around for
hours doing nothing. Most jobs on-campus will let you do homework, so you are essentially
getting paid to do assignments you would do otherwise. 

 Something to do in-between classes

 Schedule flexibility 

 Most jobs only Monday-Friday

 Understands other on-campus commitments 

 Do homework at the job

The people at this university want you to get the most out of your time here, so they are willing
to work with you to make that happen. Your job on-campus allows for time to attend events on
the weekends or travel home to see your family. There will be jobs on campus that require you to
work occasional nights or weekends, but you can apply for whatever position fits your needs the
best. We have different jobs like office work, janitorial, event staff, writers, and designers, to
name a few. Each position on-campus will have its way of doing things, but I promise it will
have great benefits no matter what position you hold. 

If You’re Sold, Here’s How to Apply

New jobs are posted on Gorillas4Hire, also known as Handshake; all you have to do is sign in
with your Pitt State email and unified password. You can upload your resume and easily apply
with the click of a button. Your resume will be sent to the employer, and they will likely call you
to set up a meeting if they are interested. The application process is as easy as it sounds. Getting
a job on-campus was one of the best decisions, as it has shaped me into the person I am today. If
you’re looking for an excellent opportunity to network, make connections, create lifelong
relationships, and have meaningful experiences while having a flexible schedule, apply for an
on-campus job today.