Should you work on-campus or off-campus? In order to make this decision you should consider your priorities. Let’s look at the pros and cons of working on or off campus.
On Campus Pros
Less Commute
Don’t want to commute because you already live on campus? Working on campus would be a great choice for you. This will help make your life a little more stress free. First, your job is in close proximity. How awesome is that? Also, you can go straight to work after classes. Having an easy commute is a huge plus. And not having to fight traffic at inopportune times equals no road rage. Let’s keep that blood pressure lowered, shall we?
Time Management
Is planning your day a top priority? Second, campus working will make scheduling your day a whole lot easier. An additional five or ten minutes in your day is a huge factor. Who doesn’t love a five-minute breather? This small amount of time can have a large impact. Getting your work done first will help you feel more in control. On the other hand, it can add flexibility; use this as a tool to let yourself know which days you can be a slacker.
Social Life Balance
Want to stay connected to campus life? Third, this is a fabulous way meet other students. The social aspect also plays well into working on campus. You are more apt to be able to attend on campus events. Don’t like socializing? That’s okay, there are jobs on campus that allow you to work alone, such as the library. Talk about easy access to study material.
Greater Respect
Want the respect that you deserve for being college student first and foremost? Fourth, college employers are more understanding when you have college obligations. They respect the fact that you are a student first. One of the human basic needs is respect. Any time someone feels respected they work 100% harder. Bottom line, when your employer sees you working harder, they’re more apt to let you have the time off that you want or need.
Study Time
How many hours do you really have time to work? Fifth, working part time is a great choice when you are a college student. Are you worried about having time to study? Working on campus allows you more study time. This studying aspect has been proven by The US Bureau of Labor as a statistic that students who work less than twenty hours a week have better grades.
On Campus Cons
Poor Pay
Not sure if you want to work on campus? First, working on campus may not be a great choice for you. Most of the jobs on campus only pay minimum wage and give few raises. Plus, you are probably only going find a part-time job. Don’t limit yourself.
Limited Jobs
What kind of job do you want? Second, jobs are limited on campus. The variety of jobs here are narrow which means you may have to take what you can get. Don’t settle! Go out and find the job that is best suited for you and your career. Not sure which job that would be? Your college campus will have career services. Make sure you stop in and take full advantage of what they have to offer.
Less Hours
Need more hours? Third, you may not get extra hours. Most of the jobs on campus are mainly part-time which limits the number of hours you can work. Here’s where your need to make extra money is dampened. The only way you may get extra hours is if you are still at work and someone doesn’t show up for their next shift.
Boxed In
Too much campus living? Fourth, burnout happens when you experience too much campus living. With burnout comes the “five more minutes” stage. I want to just lay in bed and sleep late. However, you should find a good balance between being on campus and off campus. It never hurts to see a variety of settings.
Off Campus Pros
Increased Variety
Do you like having more options? First, jobs are not limited off campus. You’re more likely to find the one you want. Building your resume in the job field that you want to go in is a fantastic idea. This will give you a heads up on the knowledge of the actual skills that employers are looking for. Surveys say that only 25% of employers feel that colleges and universities are doing a good job of preparing graduates for the workplace.
Breath of Fresh Air
Need a break from break from college? Second, disconnecting from your college world for a while is like taking a breather. Just because you’re a college student, doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time on campus.
More Freedom
Do you live off campus? Third, living off campus allows you more freedom. Having a job off campus makes better sense when you live off campus. You can find a job anywhere within your area. If commuting is not an issue for you, then by all means, spend a few minutes driving to and from your job.
Reenergized for College
Getting tired of college? Fourth, working off campus will help with not experiencing that burnout feeling. If you don’t spend all your time on campus, the less you will experience burnout. For most people, college becomes a way of life which is great. However, for those few of us that need a variety in our life, we can’t just focus on college. Spending time on campus only for classes will work out well.
Extra hours/tips
Need extra money? Fifth, find a job where you can also make tips. Working at a restaurant is a great way to make extra money. You can also work overtime. You can also find a job that pays a commission on top of regular pay. We all want more spending money, especially when we want to go out and be social. Dinner or movies with friends can get expensive, so opt for making more money. It’s also easier to pay bills if you’re supporting yourself when your budget has room for entertainment.
Off Campus Cons
Less time for studying
Don’t have enough time to study? First, you are going to have to spend time driving to and from work. Which means that you are to have to schedule your commute into your daily planning. You are going to have to make sacrifices and give up study time or social time.
Less work/life/school balance
Don’t have more time to work? Second, at an off-campus job you may be asked to pick up extra hours. You can offer your employer your schedule. Let them know that you can only work on your school-free time. However, you should let this be known upfront to save any future hassles. They hired you to do your job, not to have to fill their schedule around yours. And they’re probably not going to let you leave work early, so that on-campus event that you want to attend isn’t going to happen.
Work and College Conflicts
Have a college event that you must attend? Third, conflicts with school maybe a hindrance. Off-campus employers may not be as understanding as on-campus employers. They prefer for you to work when you are supposed to. Having to re-arrange a schedule sometimes is not an option. Give your employer as much notice of upcoming events as you can.
Real Consequences
What happens when you’re late? Fourth, time is not always you’re friend. Being late for work can have some serious repercussions. What happens when you spend five or ten minutes having to find a parking space? You clock in late; you could possibly get a warning from your employer. Think about that professor who wants to talk past the bell, now you’re in a rush and traffic doesn’t always permit rushing. I’ve had several employers tell me that they’d rather higher someone who shows up on time.
Commuting time
Can’t get enough sleep? Fifth, you are having to commute to work. Therefore, you are getting less sleep time, less study time, and less socializing on campus time. All these things are essential to college students.
Final Thoughts
Working and studying at the same time is difficult but it is definitely something recommended. Not only will this allow you more financial freedom, but it will stand for you when looking at your first graduate job.
If you are unsure of how to get your first graduate job check out our sister site recruitersreport.com or their specific blog on graduate positions here.