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The Benefits of Having a Part-time job in College

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IUP chapter.

In today’s society, more and more people are trying to expand their horizons in a variety of ways. One of those ways, especially for students, is to take on a part-time job. A part-time job can be very beneficial towards a student’s future career and life goals as it provides a number of opportunities, and experiences for the student. Listed below are just some of the ways in which a part-time job can help to create a better future for the modern college student.

Productivity

Besides classes, and the occasional party or two, what else is there to do in college? No one wants to waste away inside of a dorm room, so why not get a part-time job? It provides you with an activity to keep you productive, and has several other attractive benefits, all of which are listed below.

Networking Opportunities

It’s become common knowledge in the last few years or so that the key to success is not always what you know, but rather WHO you know. So why not take the opportunity to expand on your inner circle by playing nice with new co-workers? Even if your part-time job mopping the floors at McDonald’s is not exactly what you have in mind in terms of long-term career and life goals, who’s to say that your fellow floor mopper doesn’t hold the key to your future? Maybe they know someone who can get you where you need to be, or maybe it’s their advice that will help guide you along. You never know until you try.

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Responsibility

Having a part-time job can teach one how to be more responsible. Besides time management skills, students can also learn the importance of team work, how to problem solve and tolerance/acceptance of diverse people. A part-time job can open one up to being more socially conscious, and aware of their surroundings.

Money-Making Operation

Let’s be serious: the number one reason why most students take on a part-time job is to get paid! You need the extra money to go towards books, school supplies, food, and that new dress you saw at the mall that would be great to wear to the party this weekend. Having a part-time job allows you to make that extra cash while also teaching you the value of a dollar. Instead of relying on mommy and daddy to take care of you, this is the time for you to be showing everyone that you can make responsible decisions with money for yourself. It also allows you to not have to answer to anyone in terms of how you spend your money.

Experience

Last but not least, part-time jobs mean experience, and that’s important for anyone to have. Jobs nowadays are not just looking to see if you’re a good student; they also want to know if you’re well-rounded, and able to multitask. While having A’s and B’s on your transcript is great, it certainly does not guarantee you a career. Jobs now want to see that you have some experience in a professional environment, and that you are a good worker, and know how to handle yourself in professional situations.
 

Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Junene is a current student at Indiana University of PA majoring in Journalism. She has three minors consisting of Communications Media, English: Film Studies track, and Religious Studies.She is the founding President/Editor in Chief of IUP's branch of Hercampus.com, and is the Founder/President of the IUP women's organization That's What She Said. She is also a current member of SPJ, ( Society of Professional Journalists) PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America), CSCR (Committee for the Study of Culture and Religion) and Vice President of the Religious Studies Club at IUP. She is the sole undergradate member of IUPs' Library Outreach and Marketing Committee and is a member of the Student Advisory Group. Junene is a first generation college student; her favorite film is The Usual Suspects and her favorite book is And Then There Were None, authored by Agatha Christie.