Looking for a job that fits around your school schedule? Here's some help

By Erin Wadsworth

December 12, 2006 | When Utah State University freshman Leah Hansen set out to find a job this semester she never expected it to be one of the most difficult things she would have to do on her own.

Initially she checked the USU job board, and responded to multiple jobs in the housekeeping arena, but only found one that needed her. So her work began, endless days of misery, cleaning up other people's messes, and it was then that she decided she wanted something new.

"I was going to get part time work, because I wasn't making enough money to cover my needs," said Hansen, "but I could only clean for so long."

Searching the campus job board gives students a chance to find jobs on or off campus that will hopefully fit into their busy class schedule. By posting many jobs, in multiple areas of work the job board gives students a better chance of finding a job that's just right for them.

It wasn't long before Hansen's employers told her she was no longer required for cleaning, she now faced the job dilemma once again. Back to the drawing board she decided to do the referral thing. She had worked in telephone surveys before and knew that she would have no trouble getting hired, especially with a recommendation by her friend.

"This new job is boring," said Hansen, "you don't have to have any skills. You just sit there and try to talk to people who don't want to talk to you."

Another job search outlet for students caught in similar situations is the website of Utah's Department of Work Services. The Logan branch of this public service offers a wide variety of personal help to those in search of the perfect job.

Job placement is at a high in Cache Valley, said Work Service's Business Consultant Ted M. Nyman.

"People can now go online and register with us for services," said Nyman, "they can look at all of the job openings we have listed, and in most cases they can find out how to apply for those positions online."

The online database can be easily accessed by obtaining a user name and password through registration. After the initial process a job searcher can then look for a job that suite their interests. By selecting part-time or graveyard shifts, and also how much money they want to make, the job search can be tailored to the individual.

"We don't really focus on any one industry," said Nyman," we'll serve everything from the private household, little old lady that needs somebody to shovel her walks to CEOs."

Students can also find help at the accessible, on campus, Career Services. From creating a resume to securing a paid internship, USU students can utilize this free service in order to plan their career path. They offer Career Aggie, an online profile that can be viewed by employers.

"We serve about 4,000 employers," said Assistant Director Jennifer Loscher," it's a route that you can apply for jobs online, so we generally encourage employers to wait to get applications from students who are interested."

An internship is one of the most important choices a student can make before graduation, said Loscher. Paid internships can also be found if a student needs to have a steady income during their education, she said

"It definitely helps to get some real word experience," said Loscher, "as well as to kind of get a foot in the door."

As students continue in their education Career Services can aide in career deciphering for anyone, it doesn't matter if you're just getting started as an undeclared freshman or a junior looking to change your major.

With numerous job aides just waiting to lend a hand to the financial stability of students, and the unemployment rate continuously sliding down in Cache Valley, one would be hard pressed not to stumble across the perfect job for their circumstance.

Hansen plans on continuing her college education this coming spring, and will be thinking seriously about changing jobs yet again. With a switch in class schedule she hopes to find one that can accommodate her time and also give her enough to maintain her housing and car payments.

"I just want to be more involved in a job," said Hansen, "and enjoy the atmosphere more. I'll plan on getting a pay cut, but it's worth just to enjoy the work."

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