Making money, college style

MATTHEW DELEON-GUERRERO/THE ARBITER Freshman Jordan Parmer is a nursing major and works two jobs outside of school. She is pictured here at Blue Cow Frozen Yogurt.

Boise State Students litter the landscape of local commerce throughout the city of Boise. Student employees perform the frequent and sometimes strenuous tasks pertinent to the comfort of our daily lives. Many baristas, fast food workers, servers, and cashiers, are our companions toward the search for achievement in higher education. They are taking the extra step to break out of the typical school schedule and join the workforce, but why and how does working effect school? One may wonder why a student would want to add to their academic workload with a work schedule.

Spencer John, a junior studying entrepreneurial business and employee with the Student Affairs office at BSU, attributes the desire to work to two factors, “Of course money, but also the experience. It seems that employers are looking for greater experience.”

While the experience gained is a benefit that shouldn’t be underrated, the financial aspect cannot be ignored. Jordan Parmer, a freshmen in the Nursing department and currently employed at both Blue Cow frozen yogurt and as a server at a nearby nursing home, enjoys working, but if given the opportunity to simply attend school she would, “I would rather focus on School, but I need the money,” said Parmer.

An article by US News reported that according to Colorado State Public Interest Research Group’s higher education project, 42 percent of college students working 25 or more hours reported that working had a negative impact to their grades.

Angela Bond, a recent BSU graduate who coached high school volleyball and was a server at Joe’s Crab shack, reflected on her days of working and attending class by saying, “It would have been easier to not have worked, if I had the option I wouldn’t have worked.”

With the general understanding of motive and effect another possible benefit returning students might gain from employment is the professional advantages of continuing their prior career. Students like Steve McDermott, a returning junior and an entrepreneurial management major, returned to school after a two-decade hiatus. He currently works on call as a consultant and credits this work toward helping him “Keep abreast with the industry and keeping my contacts active.”

In making the decision to work or focus completely on school one must consider the financial situation and try to work at a place flexible with a changing school schedule. John suggests that work is appropriate for those who, “need to make money” and suggests, “Try and work on campus, It’s a great way to work around [your] schedule.”

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