Scholarships and financial aid might cover a student’s quarterly tab for books, rent and the occasional six-pack, but many also need access to campus jobs.
However, not all students seek assistance in their searches. When an inconvenient class schedule and a shortage of cash left him desperate for a job, Michael Athens, a College of Liberal Arts senior, responded to a help-wanted sign in the window at the newly opened Stadium Village Blockbuster. Soon he was employed.
But some students seek help from the University’s Student Employment Center. Whether on campus or off, instate or out, the office has listings.
Last year, the employment center posted more than 16,000 jobs and received 11,000 student applications.
“There are more jobs than students,” said Dana London, senior administrative director of the center. “We can definitely find you a job if you are willing to work,” she said.
All campus jobs pay a minimum of $6.50 an hour, London said. But she said the average compensation for both campus and off-campus start at about $7.
Athens said a visit to the employment center never occurred to him. But with a variety of jobs ranging from landscaping to interpreting for Hmong students, many options exist.
Lee Nordstrum, a CLA freshman, is not fluent in Hmong. He did find a job through the office, however, as a janitor in Pioneer Hall.
Nordstrum lives in the building. He liked the idea of working so close to home. Referred to the job center by his sister, he spoke to the head of maintenance at the University and was hired on the spot, “since I am so qualified to clean toilets,” he said.
Sophomores Sam Martin and Chris Teeuwen found jobs at the Les Bolstad Golf Course in St. Paul, Minn., through the employment center last year.
Newspaper classified advertisements, which often seek previous experience, left Teeuwen discouraged. He said the requirement of owning a car was also detrimental. Martin said he wanted an outdoor campus job and heard the employment center was the best place to start.
On-campus jobs must be filed with the job center so the office can confirm students’ eligibility. Any student registered for six or more credits can use the center’s services.
Because the University functions year-round, many jobs are offered during the summer. London said many students working now go home for the summer, leaving several positions available.
Students desiring summer employment can use the service without taking summer classes if they were enrolled during spring quarter.
On their first center visit, students fill out a general application. Once the form is processed, students can refer to several bulletin boards. The center posts listings for the entire Twin Cities metro area at no charge.
The employment center maintains a Web site with daily job postings. With Web access students can avoid multiple trips to the center. London hopes students will be able to register and apply over the Internet by next fall.