Written by Alyssa Kay Navarre

https://www.instagram.com/lyss_akay_fitness/

Hello, my name is Alyssa, a third year college student at Millsap College. I currently maintain two on-campus jobs, hold an executive position in my sorority, and I run for the Women’s Track and Field team. I’m going to share the secret to connections and a little extra spending cash during your college career. Just a heads up, this information may change your outlook on school. You might find yourself experiencing success more often than not.

“I’m too busy…”

They say the most important thing you learn in college is time management. I’ve met so many students who are not living up to their potential because they are terrified to overload their plates. Having a job on campus is honestly the most flexible job you will ever have, most of them are work-study opportunities that can count towards helping you buy groceries, or pants for the lab, or a new book when you accidentally spill a whole powerade on your Wetland and Ecology textbook… I stay pretty busy and I don’t necessarily have the time to get a “normal” job because I’m either in class or at practice or at a Greek life event. Having these jobs is a literal gold mine because I can schedule a quick shift either before, in-between, or after my classes each day. It won’t seem like much, but if you're a super busy go-getter like me this is a life saver.

Connections for the future

Most of these jobs are also about huge preparers for jobs you may have in the future. I, for example, work as an Ambassador for the campus throughout the week and on the occasional Saturday. And it’s my favorite of my two jobs. I get to work with admissions counselors, the president of the college, professors, other students, and (my favorites) any prospective student that comes to visit campus. And all of these groups contain people of different ages, different ethnicities, different cultures, and even different countries. I see and work with so many people and get to have real conversations with all of them. 📷

I also work with student life as a resident assistant for both upperclassmen and freshman. This job is less formal and less business orientated. I’m not working at a desk or sitting in on informational meetings or greeting new students, but I am seeing students grow in many ways and learning to be a source of trust and confidence. One of the most important things about being a good leader, friend, boss, etc is the ability to establish a trustworthiness about yourself as well as developing a sense of empathy. This job, being so close to the students, helping them out in their living situations, in their classes, their decisions about joining organizations, or even about how to handle diversity in a club or sport, is amazing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything because residents of mine that have graduated still text me and talk to me like I’m their RA.

Many of my peers that I work with, including myself, have been given copious work opportunities past the small on-campus work area. Two of my friends that were ambassadors with me last year have actually transitioned into working in high up positions in the college. A fellow RA is currently moving half-way across the country to study cancer research. And all of this is really because of the connections that were made.

📷

Okay but what about the money??

It isn’t a physician's salary. It won’t buy you a home. But it will get you through college. I make enough to provide for my groceries, any clothes I may need, my sorority dues, and the occasional dinner with friends.

To Conclude...

This is the loop-hole you’re looking for. Having an on-campus job will build your resume, build your connections on campus with professors, friends, other staff members, build your bank account, build time-management skills, and build responsibility.

This Post is guest written by Alyssa Kay Navarre follow her at https://www.instagram.com/lyss_akay_fitness/

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