by: Edward Sanchez, Lion’s Eye Staff Writer, eas5773@psu.edu

Some students have trouble finding jobs in general and some have trouble with transportation or needing to take the bus from school to their jobs. With these complications, students sometimes find the challenge of a job that fits both the school schedule and their transportation options overwhelming. But what if the job was ON campus!

Director of Athletics Bobbi Caprice, was asked about her role with employment on campus, and the various benefits that come with it. “Those who apply in the summer are usually hired by July, and they work for us through the entire school year. A lot of times students come into my office in October and November looking for a work study job but by that time it’s already too late.’’

She mentioned how they set their semester long schedule by early August, so students who applied during the summer are more likely to be hired than those who wait until August. Most of the students who work in the fall decide to keep their positions and continue work in the spring as well.

When asked if each position varies by how much you get paid, she mentioned that every position in the athletic department pays the same amount—$9.50/hour. So, each student makes the same amount regardless of the job they land.

Participating in on campus work study employment can also allow one to build connections with others from different students to faculty and staff. When asked about benefits of working on campus, Caprice responded, “It helps students with time management, not having to leave campus and travel to another location, or simply trying to figure out how to get to work with a lot of our students not having their own way of transportation. Another advantage is getting to know different students and faculty, I know for me I was a student worker, and through that I developed a great relationship with the athletic department, which contributed to me landing this position as the director of our athletic department.’’

Work study on campus is a great way for students to find jobs that work with their class schedule and help with not needing to commute or transport to another location when you can simply work on campus. Students should apply for work study as soon as they apply for their financial aid in the spring or summer, since as Bobbie said, “The early bird gets the first worm when it comes to securing a job with campus work study.’’