Wouldn’t we all love an inclusive workplace, understanding managers, and a flexible work schedule? Lucky for me, these are all traits I’ve found at my job at Ryerson Athletics and Recreation. If there is any advice I can give to university students, it’s to try and find a job on campus.
Through Ryerson’s work-study program, Career Boost, students are provided with hundreds of on-campus paid work experiences every year. Eligible students can choose to apply to positions relating to their programs, or they can venture out and try something outside of their field. Just note that although students are able to apply for any positions before getting their Career Boost eligibility approval, they ultimately do need to have an approved status to start the job. But don’t worry! Even if you’re not eligible for these jobs, which you can find out by filling out a form on the Career Boost website, there are many on-campus jobs available to all students, under the Other On-Campus Job opportunities list you can choose from.
I first applied to my on-campus job right before starting my second-year. I was nervous and all the positions seemed intimidating, but luckily I had a friend who pushed me to go for it and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made at Ryerson. I can’t promise you’ll have the same experience, but if yours is anything like mine, you will end up meeting some of the most interesting people, creating a community at school, and having a space where you can grow and learn in a safe environment. This is a great time for you to explore new opportunities and fields, without any permanent commitment.
I’ve been working at Ryerson Athletics and Recreation for over a year, and during this time, I’ve made new friends, gained knowledge about the inner workings of an organization, and most importantly gained confidence in my own work abilities. I was surprised to discover how friendly, inclusive and supportive my colleagues and supervisors are, and that is an opportunity I wish everyone could have. One of the best perks of working on campus is that odds are, your supervisors are aware of your class schedule and are willing to accommodate for midterm and exam seasons.
Although with the current climate I have barely made my way to campus these past several months, I have had the opportunity to work from home. Despite some days seeming like I’ve been holed up in my room for what usually feels like an eternity, hopping from one school Zoom call to another work Zoom call, it’s usually refreshing to have something other than my homework to focus on. I would still recommend students try looking for “on-campus” jobs, even now, because it can introduce you to some amazing people, and give you something to add to your schedule that isn’t just your classes, if that’s something you’re looking to do.