On-campus jobs can be alternative for students
Mutinkhe Kaunda
The cost of living is up and finding a job to accommodate class schedules can be challenging, so it may be beneficial for students to find a job here on campus.However, career program advisor Debbie Smith explained that it is not always easy to find a job on campus since most of the jobs opportunities are given by Federal Work Study (FWA), which is funded by Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
According to Pat Peppins, the director of the Financial Aid, this is a problem because the U.S. government only allows $508,000 to the MCC for FWS funding.
This means that at minimum wage, the amount of funding only covers the pay of up to 100 students over the course of a semester.
In turn, the award process is competitive.
For instance applications for the ’08-’09 school year opened January 1, 2008 and by April 1, 2008, the department had already received roughly 3,000 applications.
The Financial Aid department evaluates applications on a first come first serve basis.
Peppins cautions students who may be considering applying for a job on campus that they must show that they are, “reliable and have a good work ethic.”
Tyra Lindsey, an 18-year-old MCC student, is one of the more successful applicants.
Lindsay completed her FASA application in February 2008. She signed up for classes in July, and received her FWS this August. After reviewing the FWS job postings at the Career and Re-entry office, she secured a position with the Center for Service-Learning at MCC.
“Most of my friends had trouble with the application,” Lindsey explains, fortunately, she had some help from her dad.
Recognizing that students do have problems with the application, the department intends to hold workshops during the semester to help students understand the application process.
Students that do not get the job, however, should not despair. Other on-campus job opportunities exist with departments including College Safety, Aramark Food Services, the multi-use computer lab and the Learning Enhancement Center.
The key to success in the job hunt is in the planning and preparation. Investigate options, ask questions, expect rejection, but be persistent.
