Earn while you learn: Student employment develops professional skills and connects you with the Bison community
At NDSU, on-campus employment helps you develop practical skills, build friendships and get more involved in the campus community.
For Eliza Janssen, an English major from Loveland, Colorado, working at the NDSU Bookstore has offered a convenient way to build confidence while meeting fellow Bison. Nick Schmit, a chemistry major from Jordan, Minnesota, has found similar benefits working at the Union Market as a human resources student manager for NDSU Dining.
Both have enjoyed their roles and agree that their on-campus jobs have been a valuable part of their overall NDSU experience.
A schedule that works for students
When balancing classes, assignments, extracurricular activities and other obligations that come with college, finding a job that fits your schedule can make a big difference.
Janssen, who is beginning her third year at the Bookstore, said building her work schedule around her classes has been one of the biggest advantages of working on campus.
“It's the first job I've had where they work around your classes instead of having to work around them,” she said.
Schmit, who has worked with Dining for four years, also appreciates the flexibility of working close to his classes. Being right on campus allows him to transition easily from work to class, grab something to eat after a shift or find a study spot around campus to work on assignments.
“The convenience of being on campus with flexible schedules really made my college experience less stressful,” he said.
Building skills for the future
Student employment also provides opportunities to develop skills that translate beyond campus and into future careers.
As a Bookstore cashier, Janssen helps customers find what they’re looking for, processes purchases and helps to maintain the Bookstore and Herd Shop. The role has strengthened her communication skills and taught her how to navigate any situation with confidence, even when she doesn’t always have an answer to a question.
“You have to learn how to answer something that you don't know with confidence and find a way to get the answer,” she said.
Those transferable skills are essential when thinking ahead to any career path, as strong communication, problem-solving and confidence are assets for any employee to have.
Finding community through work
Beyond the professional development, both Janssen and Schmit say the relationships with fellow employees and customers are among the most rewarding parts of their jobs.
Schmit has felt more connected to the on-campus community and credits the friendly, energetic environment at NDSU Dining as making work a place to connect with others and build lasting friendships.
“It's one of those environments where you can't wait to work because it's a great time with your friends,” he said.
Janssen has had a similar experience. Her customer service role has allowed her to meet new people who become familiar faces around campus and the community.
“It's a very fun way to get involved on campus without making it a big event or having to feel like you’re in a student organization, and still earn money at the same time,” she said.
Find your student employment opportunity
NDSU offers a variety of student employment opportunities depending on your interests, ranging from the Bookstore to Dining, the Wellness Center, the Career and Advising Center and more.
Students interested in exploring on-campus employment opportunities can visit Handshake, a career management tool, to discover available positions and find a job that fits their interests.
NDSU Marketing and Communications
Source: Eliza Janssen and Nick Schmit
Writer: Meghan Arbegast
Photos: Justin Eiler