At Furman, student employment is an essential, though often overlooked, aspect of university life. It not only incentivizes undergraduates to get involved in areas they are passionate about, but it also brings students’ energy and creativity to almost every department and organization.
Will Przedpelski, Class of ‘21’, works at the Shi Center and helps make Furman “move-in” and “move-out” days more sustainable. “[It] has gotten me involved with an organization that I wouldn’t be involved with otherwise… it has taught me a lot about sustainability and allowed me to be able to make an impact on Furman,” Przedpelski says.
Will Przedpelski, however, is only one of more than 1,100 student employees at Furman. According to Forrest Stuart Ph.D., Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Director of Financial Aid, approximately 41% of the student body is employed by Furman. All students make between $7.25 and $13.00 per hour and typically work between 10 to 15 hours per week. Over the course of the year, this work adds up, and students earn (on average) $1,100 to $1,500.
More importantly, these jobs provide Furman students with valuable experiences. Studies show, Stuart says, that ¨student employment positively affects retention because of the connections students have to the campus.” In other words, students that work on campus tend to feel more connected to their school, and work study can help alleviate financial challenges for low-income students or international students who cannot work off campus.
In my own experience as an assistant in the Modern Language Center, I have seen the ways that an on-campus job shapes my perspective of the university. I have gained a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the Modern Languages Department because I am a part of its success. This kind of role helps integrate students like me into all aspects of university life.
“I've heard many colleagues, both faculty and staff, praise student workers over the years, not only because they're intelligent, efficient, and extremely helpful, but because their work lives have been genuinely enriched by getting to know a Furman student who's working alongside them day to day,” says Modern Languages Department Chair Dr. William G. Allen.
Dr. Allen attributes much of the success of the Modern Language Center to student employees, who provide valuable input and perspective. “The Center is almost totally run by students,” he says, “and with their tutoring skills in five different modern languages, they are offering a service that no single faculty member could hope to provide.”
In addition, both Dr. Allen and I agree that part-time jobs here at Furman are great indicators of job experience on a resume. To potential employers, it shows that we, as students, are capable of responsibility, professionalism, and work ethic.
Considering the benefits of student employment, the Furman administration and student body should place more of an emphasis this kind of experience. Though often overlooked, student employment directly affects nearly half of the student body. On-campus jobs are a hands-on learning experience and should be promoted alongside undergraduate research, internships, and study-away opportunities as an essential element of the Furman Advantage.