As a student, adding a part time job to a busy class schedule can be stressful, but being employed may help integrate important skills into their daily lives.

While many students pick up jobs with intentions of earning a little extra cash, they can find themselves reaping more benefits than planned. The jobs available for students can help supplement classes by teaching skills that can be helpful later in life.

Zelda Gardner, the assistant director at the Career Center, thinks that students should take advantage of as many opportunities as possible in order to create a well rounded set of skills and experiences.

“I think it’s important to gain experience in general, and through a job, like working as a waitress, you’re gaining customer service skills and interpersonal skills that employers are going to want to see,” Gardner said.

Those who have juggled the stresses of school while being employed may find their shift into a full-time career a little easier.

“Employers say that they’re looking for communication, leadership, teamwork, organizational and technical skills,” said Gardner.

While time in the classroom can help to build these skills as well, part time jobs give students the opportunity to practice those skills and to find their strengths and weaknesses.

When finding a part time job, students need to decide whether they are looking to build general profession skills or one specifically conducive to their field.

“It’s really nice to have a job through the University because they’re really lenient as far as hours because they understand that we are students,” Hannah Brennan, a sophomore in Media, said.

Brennan has had her fair share of University employment as she continues to work for University catering, Memorial Stadium concessions and the Assembly Hall ushering. She enjoys her jobs and she gets to enjoy the school’s events while getting paid.

Through her jobs on campus, Brennan has developed diverse skills at very different venues and is getting a feel for employment while keeping her future plans in mind.

“My priority right now is working to get money and maybe once I get closer to graduating I’ll move towards my (future) career.”

Courtney Fournier, a senior in LAS, works as an internship coordinator in the Department of Communication office, while waitressing and attending classes. She feels that the ability to build relationships and establish reliability is important to learn before establishing a full time career.

“It’s good to get experience in what you’re looking to do in the future, but it’s obviously not always possible if you’re looking for a paying job.”

She thinks that part-time jobs can add to a student’s independence.

“I think (getting a job) helps give students an overall perspective of being on their own and being able to take care of financial needs.”

Whether students are looking to finance their nights on Green Street, or attempting to develop their career, they can benefit greatly from employment. Students can learn everything from time management, to customer service, while building their resume simultaneously.