Student Employment

By Genevieve Benson

From the perspective of a student employee at the University of Minnesota, I have discovered signi ficant benefits while working in an on-campus job. Not only have my student employment experiences provided tangible skills and resume/ portfolio materials, but it has also introduced me to valuable peers and life-long friends by expanding my network outside of just my academic courses.

As a freshman, I was an Offi ce Assistant in the dormitories through Housing and Residential Life. I had the opportunity to meet other first-year students I would not have met on my floor, as well as upperclassmen who taught me the necessary skills to succeed in other positions. I gained connections and had access to seemingly endless resources. Additionally, when I had finished my assigned tasks and responsibilities, my supervisor encouraged me to complete career development training courses through LinkedIn Learning or finish my homework.

After two semesters at the U of M, I transitioned to another on-campus internship related to my major and areas of interest, communications and marketing. I have yet to leave this position because I idolize my supervisors, coworkers and fellow interns, and the faculty and sta ff I work for. If I could stay there forever, I would, but in the near future, I will have to graduate and venture into the unknown that is adulthood.

As an employee of MN Daily Media, I have the best of both worlds. While working at a non-profit organization, I have the ability to engage in unique and innovative projects to apply to real-world situations. It is also located adjacent to TCF Bank Stadium, thus, I never have to travel far to work, and I can seamlessly fit office hours into my busy class and student group schedule. To avoid being cliché, I will save the details regarding the close friendships I have made as a staff member of MN Daily Media.

Student employment understands the competing responsibilities students have with social and family life, other job and work positions, volunteer and student organization commitments. It accommodates based on the individual student’s needs and desires and offers varied projects and assignments based on desired interest. If you have a specific area of employment, the U of M likely offers it through one of the countless student internships or jobs. To learn more about student employment, visit humanresources.umn.edu or GoldPass powered through Handshake.