Working a part time job while also being a full time student can be very stressful. Students have to balance classes, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities on top of committing to a four hour shift.
But as hard as it may be, having a part time job in college can also have a positive influence.
Abby Munro, a freshman biology major at UMD, is the assistant coach for Our Lady of Good Counsel’s Pom and Dance Team. In addition to getting accustomed to college and living on campus, Munro has to commute roughly 40 minutes for her job, four times per week.
“It is a lot of work and a big time commitment. There are some days where I like it and some days where I don’t like it,” Munro said.
Munro has a difficult time managing her heavy course load and spends a lot of late nights catching up on her studies. Munro said she is “super stressed” and actively struggles with her time management.
However, despite the negatives, Munro said that she is gaining a lot of knowledge and experience through her job.
In order to balance a job alongside studies, students need to learn to prioritize and efficiently manage their time, according to an article published by Students.org. It is essential that students develop good habits to make time for school and prevent sleep deprivation.
Brooke Hinkley, a fifth year architecture major, is a server at Cornerstone, one of the local bars near UMD’s campus. In her time at college, Hinkley has had three different jobs and thoroughly enjoys getting work experience.
She is typically able to manage her schedule, but admits to feeling overwhelmed after working late night shifts.
Hinkley said that she tries to prioritize school over work, but often has to put her job first when she is struggling with money.
“I’m expected to pay for all of my personal expenses, such as food, social outings, and car payments,” Hinkley said. “And simply working during the summer doesn’t provide enough income to last me all semester.”
Students.org mentions that having a job in college teaches students not only to earn, but to spend money wisely. By being in control of expenses, students begin to understand how to save money for the future.
Emma Caruso, a sophomore communications major, is an intern for the Maryland Athletics Marketing Department. She helps with fan experience and assists in promoting all D1 sports.
In order to prevent stress, Caruso makes sure to plan for games and events by doing homework days in advance. As a member of a sorority and other campus organizations, Caruso unfortunately has to skip certain events for her internship, but she thinks it’s worth it.
“I love this internship,” she said. “I have this job to help me get a better job in this field once I graduate college. It is a great experience and it is really showing me what working in sports marketing is like.”
According to an article published by U.S. News, students who work during college typically have higher earnings later in their careers. Research shows that students are valued by future employers if they have a job in college.
“You know about showing up on time, following directions given by a supervisor, and being generally diligent in your duties,” said Daniel Douglas, a co-author of a 2019 Rutgers Education and Employment Research Center paper.
Douglas said that students who balance work and school have more developed resumes and stronger social networks.
Having a job in college can be stressful, time consuming, and draining, among other things. But it also teaches students how to overcome these feelings and have excellent time-management skills. The benefits of working in college extend outside of the classroom, and can prepare a student for their future.