Why should you take student jobs in college

Why should you take student jobs in college

Back when I was in university for my undergrad, walking to class after a lunch break I see this poster pinned to a tree inviting students to apply for positions in this student organization that has its origins overseas and is of international renown.

I remember thinking to myself, me being an absolute introvert back then, "why not do something that gets your heart going for once?" 🙄

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So I promptly took down details on how to apply.

The organization had about 10-15 positions open, of which 10 students would be taken in for permanent roles after a probationary period of a couple of months. 

→ For the written test about 300 students appear. Me being in a hurry to get out of that hall, as I didn't want to miss that Friday evening bus home, rushed through the exam and left. 

I got through that round 😉

→ Next was the group discussion round. About 10 students in a group and the topic was something about euthanasia. Out of the ten, five students were to talk for it and five against it. Don't remember which side I was on. But sailed through that round too.

⟶ Finally, the personal interview. Panel had 4 people asking questions. Went on for about 45 minutes and I left in a daze in the end.

I get a email about 2 months later to report to the office for a briefing! 😃

Now to answer the question at hand, "why should you take student jobs in college?"

For starters, I'll give you 8 reasons for it.

1. You might get paid for it. 

Now my chapter of this organization used to transfer a small stipend to the volunteer's account on a monthly basis a couple of years earlier to my entry. But I wasn't lucky to be part of that batch.

Most student organizations around of the world may have a system to pay you a small amount that can be a little extra something to spend on essentials.

2. You get to experience and learn things other students with you will miss out on

This commits to the career related skills you can gain from working in such a student organization. The learning starts from the time you decide to apply. You get to learn and practice soft skills, management experience, team cohesion enabling techniques, administrative coordination a whole lot more!

3. Special privileges and perks that you can enjoy

Our student office had a coffee machine, and a printer that we used once in a while for personal work. We had tea and something to munch on at the end of every team meeting.

My team and I went on official, university sponsored trips to many places for meetings as well as administrative work.

4.  People to socialize with 

At times finding a group of like-minded individuals may prove to be no easy task. Here with in a community of students with similar intentions, its easy to gel and form bonds with people all motivated and ambitious with goals in life.

5. Something to do in your free time 

Sometimes even in a bustling and happening place there are chances of you becoming lonely and feeling a little low. As the student group you work with may be tasked with activities, targets to fulfill and things to learn, I personally never had the time to feel lonely or depressed.

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6. A HUGE boost for your CV/resume

I cannot stress enough on how helpful having this work/volunteering experience on your CV or resume is. I has helped me immensely in having HR personnel and others in management to take me seriously.

The experience really sets you apart from the rest of the group in any setting, provided the work you did is worth it.

7. The things you learn that aren't actually taught help you through life

The are some characteristics and skills that are excellent assets in your career if you learn them early in life. And some kinds are ones that are better learnt with practical life experience than in theory or in a classroom setting. 

What happens if you've well versed in them right before you even land your first job after graduation? 

It makes things a WHOLE LOT EASIER to put it into simple words.

The soft skills, time management, teamwork, rapid learning techniques, negotiation skills etc. Its actually a big list. 

Working in a student led organization under the safe umbrella of a university can help you gain all that in a pressure-less and passive manner. 

8. Connections and networking opportunities

You get to meet a ton of people, some influential and well-connected ones in your stint as a student volunteer. There is a lot of opportunity to meet people, depending on the organization you work in and the role you are in, who can possibly be of great help in your career