Students at Auburn take on many roles - including employee
In the midst of chaotic classes, urgent deadlines, and pressing assignments, some students have managed to squeeze in 10-20 hours a week to work at on-campus or off-campus jobs. Many students at Auburn have committed to part-time jobs in order to earn money for education and living expenses. Other students choose the busy lifestyle in effort to build an impressive resume for their future employers. Noticeably, working students have a different experience in college than others, and their experience could be described as wholeheartedly productive. These students are always on the go, which may sound overwhelming, yet at no surprise to the Auburn family, our students have proved to actually enjoy the intense schedules. Our students believe in work, hard work, and striving to fulfill their self-starting goals, so they have put their free time, friends, and fatigue aside to pursue additional funds and improvement in their work skills.
Working students are learning several techniques by working outside of school. Rebecca Foose, for example, bartends at 17-16 Bar in Auburn, and she speaks highly on her developed time management skills. Foose works intense night shifts as a bartender and her graphic design major calls for a great deal of time and creation, so she’s learned to work ahead on projects to deter from stress in her courses. She is not the only student who finds themselves combing skills and balancing calendars.
Keisha Logan, a nursing student and manager at Victoria Secret, talks about her over lapping schedules. “I have class from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then I go straight to work,” Logan Says, “I get off around 11 p.m. and then I’ll spend around four hours studying.” This schedule as one could imagine, is challenging, yet Logan speaks admiringly on her experience with school at Auburn and working as a store manager. Other students have less dramatic schedules because their work remains on campus. Auburn offers various part time jobs to allow students an opportunity to explore their major, network with employers, and prepare them to successfully transition from college to career. Luke Horton, an accounting student, has taken full advantage of this type of opportunity. Horton works part time in Lowder with the Executive Masters of Business Association. Horton feels as though his work under the student service coordinators has opened doors to future employer connections. Horton has gained full understanding of what it's like to work in business, “I love the people I work with. I like the encouragement they give,” he says. Working students surrender their time to learn skills and make money, but it's proved to be worth it for so many.
Dalton Parkman, a third year interior design student, has been working at Acre restaurant for a little over two years. Of course his college experience could potentially be stressful, but Parkman says it keeps him productive. Parkman describes how his job as a server prepares him for his work as an interior designer. “The main thing that is helping me with my career are the people I meet on a daily basis,” Parkman says, “It's not just serving food, it's being personable, solving problems, and learning how to work with others.” At the end of the (tiring yet productive) day, working students are gaining skills, providing for themselves, and preparing immeasurably for their futures and careers.