Pick the right job

More than eenie meenie miney mo: How to pick the right part-time job

I worked all four of my undergrad years, sometimes multiple jobs a semester.

Working provided me with more than just a paycheck—although the extra cash helped curb my student loan debt, and paid for celebration take-out orders or concert tickets to Little 500 events.

My jobs provided me with the opportunity to explore career paths and establish roots within my IU campus and the community around me.

I worked both on and off campus. Personally, I don’t have much of a preference between the two. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for a job, it’s important to weigh several factors to decide which option is better for you.

Decide what works best with your class schedule

Your first priority at IU is always academics: going to class, making good grades, and taking advantage of opportunities within your academic department. Make sure that your part-time job does not interfere with that.

On-campus employers tend to structure fixed work schedules that revolve around your academics, and are understanding about tests and class projects. If you are looking off campus for employment, make sure you understand your employer’s approach to student workers before you accept a position.

Consider your transportation options

If you’re in Bloomington and don’t have your own vehicle, Bloomington Transit can provide you with reliable transportation.

However, you will have to manage your time to ensure you get to the bus stop in time to make it to wherever you’re going.

If you are living on campus, it might be more convenient to have an on-campus job; if you live off campus, it might be more convenient to have an off-campus job near your side of town.

Take your holiday break schedule into account

Factor your university break plans into your job decision.

Campus offices and operations typically close down during semester breaks. This could be a positive if you are planning on heading home or vacationing during time off—no need to request off or find a substitute!

However, if you are looking to make some extra cash when you have free time, an on-campus job might negatively affect your bank statement.

Don’t forget about your personal network development

The last thing to consider is how your job will help you develop your personal network.

On-campus jobs are great for building connections with professionals at IU. Having a job on campus is a great way to make campus seem smaller. Plus, working closely with administrators and professors allows for close mentor relationships, almost like a family unit on campus.

Off-campus jobs are great for taking you outside the IU bubble, and for building a foundation in the community.

Bloomington has many nonprofit organizations and opportunities to work with children, animals, sustainability—or almost any other cause you can think of. Involvement within the community might be a refreshing break from your on-campus routine and provide you with further leadership positions. Weigh your future career objectives and what might serve as valuable experiences for developing skills in areas that interest you.

No matter if you choose an on- or off-campus position, it’s important to start building your resume as early as you can through part-time job experiences. Employers seek out student leaders who are not only invested in their education, but are also able to demonstrate self-discipline and time management skills—qualities evident with balancing work and school throughout college.

A part-time job is more than just a paycheck. It’s an opportunity to expand your marketable skills, explore different career avenues, and make IU your new home.