By Emerson Thompson, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Between classes, homework, campus activities and trying to maintain a social life, college students already have a lot on their plates. Adding a job to that schedule might seem like one more responsibility to worry about, but I believe working some form of a part-time job during college is one of the most valuable experiences a student can have.
For many students, working is not just about having extra spending money. It is about paying bills, covering school expenses and learning how to manage responsibilities before entering the workforce full time. Although balancing work and school can be challenging, the lessons students learn along the way make the experience worthwhile.
I work part-time at A-Town Fitness while also running my own small business, Emerson’s Coffee Corner, where I sell my own coffee. Managing both while attending college has taught me a lot about balancing responsibilities, especially when unexpecting expenses come up. Having to manage my time and earn money has helped me become more responsible and understand the importance of planning ahead.
I am not the only student who has found value in working during college. Ethan Grant, a junior applied mathematics major who works as an intern at Cedar Grove Baptist Church. said that having a job has also given him more control over his finances. “I decided to work in college primarily because I need money to pay my various bills, as well as to have money for whatever activities I want to do,” Grant said. He added that working has helped him keep more money in savings while still having money available to spend on his interests.
While earning money is one benefit, a job can also give students opportunities to practice skills they will need long after college. Georgie Crain, a senior Kinesiology major who works part time at Prescott Floral and Bakery, enjoys the personal connections that come with her job. “No matter how often it is talked about in class, I think you also have to have that personal experience to be able to work with others to the best of your ability,” Crain said. She looks forward to applying what she has learned through her job to her future career.
These experiences can be especially helpful as students prepare for their chosen careers. Kaitlyn Dutton, a senior elementary education major, works as a children’s ministry intern at Second Baptist Church, tutors through the Elrod Center and works as a babysitter/nanny. Her different roles have given her opportunities to apply what she learns in college to real situations. “I have used many of the skills developed during my internship at Second Baptist in the classroom already as I student teach, such as using scripted curriculums, managing large-group behavior and planning effective and engaging lessons,” Dutton said.
Working also teaches students effective time management skills. Noah Canon, a senior biomedical sciences major who works at the OBU Campus Bookstore and tutors through the Academic Success Center, has found that balancing multiple commitments has changed how he approaches his daily schedule. “From balancing work and academics, I have learned how to recognize what commitments I value and how to make time for the things and people I cherish most,” Canon said.
Of course, working during college is not an easy feat. Students may have to miss social events, rearrange study schedules or turn down opportunities because of work commitments. Finding this balance is important, and students should recognize when they are taking on too much.
However, learning to manage many responsibilities at once is part of growing up and becoming an adult. College is a time to prepare for life after graduation, and that preparation can happen outside the classroom just as much as inside it.
Working during college is not the right choice for everyone, but for students who are able to manage the added task, it can be a valuable learning experience overall. Earning a paycheck is always helpful, but learning how to manage that money, communicate with others effectively and balance competing priorities are lessons that last much longer than just the time spent as a college student.
