Searching for the perfect part-time job

Finding the "perfect" part-time job is an increasingly difficult task especially with today's economy. Many Sacred Heart University students have found that this task becomes even harder when balancing a college schedule is involved. 

College students search for jobs that will not only give them the money needed for bills and uncovered school expenses, but also those that take into account their needs in regards to education. Michael Dominguez, a graduate student at Sacred Heart University, is one of many who struggle to find a job that fits the bill.

"I work at a retail coffee shop," said Dominguez. "While my job takes my class availability into account, if I needed to take off any time for projects, I would have to dip into my vacation time for it."

For many college students, being able to have a flexible availability is a leading characteristic of the ideal part-time job. Some students find it easier to work through the school for this reason.

"My job takes my availability into account, mostly because it is through the school," said junior Kimberly Nania. 

Some students take work-study positions at the university because of their focus on education.

"I have a work-study job in the Bridgeport school system," said junior Natasha James. "My supervisor has a clear understanding that I'm working towards my career at school."

Other students have been more successful in finding jobs outside of school that meet all of the needs and expectations of a college student. Junior Matt Wagner has found the perfect part-time job at a farm in Long Island.

"I aim to be a teacher," said Wagner. "My job understands that I am working towards my own career and it also promises me a long standing position in the off-season."

Sometimes the search for the perfect job can become complicated when circumstances change.

"Past jobs have been better," said Dominguez. "They not only gave me the time off for school, but they were also flexible enough to give me time off for career building work."

However, others have had the opposite experience in the past at their jobs.

"Before I worked for the school, my jobs definitely saw education as unimportant," said Nania. "The employers decided not to hire me back because I had to change my schedule due to school.

Regardless of where and when students work, they look for a job in which they are celebrated for pursuing their own goals and are praised for doing well in school.

"They are very encouraging and make me feel good that I am a student pursuing a degree," said James.

Other jobs are not as considerate of students' goals.

"If I do any career-oriented expanding, my job doesn't give me the time needed to do it," said Dominguez. "My manager does not go out of her way to help find coverage for me." 

Staff is another factor in determining how a job influences the student's needs.

"My boss and his family are extremely friendly, understanding people, and I couldn't ask for better employers," said Wagner.

Wagner also has the added feature of having individuals with similar life goals working alongside him.

"My co-worker, Michael, is an English major from Long Island and the two of us extensively talk about the field," he said.

Whether it be working for the school or working elsewhere, the ideal part-time job is custom-made depending on the individual's needs and commitments. While some students have found their niche in the part-time job spectrum, others are still searching.

"I just want a job that fits my lifestyle and my needs," said Dominguez.