3 minute read
Searching for work on the college level
Students are taking advantage of job opportunities closer to classes
Arash Rod / Roundup
Thousands of students at Pierce College usually want to work on campus when a semester starts, but only some of them can get this opportunity each semester.
There are two sources available on the college campus that helps students to work. One of them is the federal work-study program and the other one is the campus budget.
The students who want to use the federal work-study need to fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form between Jan. 1st and March 2nd of each year and indicate that they would like to participate in the workstudy program.
“[The] federal work- study program is a limited funding program,” said Financial Aid Director Anafe Robinson, who is in charge with the workstudy program.
Around 60 to 70 students work under this program each semester.
“It is a good program. It gives students experience and specialty in their fields.” Robinson said.
In order to qualify for the program each student has to have at least six units at Pierce and meet all eligibility guidelines and requirements.
There are all kinds of assistant jobs available such as answering the phones or customer service.
“I spoke with one of the ladies here, and she gave me the information how to apply,” said Shakiyah Bowman, 22, who is working 20 hours weekly for the fi rst time at the information desk in the Student Services building. “I do a lot of volunteering. I think that’s how I was able to do this job. I love it.”
Each department at Pierce cannot hire more than three students from the work-study program. However, there is another way that students can work at Pierce according to Robinson.
Each department can hire students with their own budgets. Aleli Paez, 23, who works 40 hours weekly at the Freudian Sip, was hired by this department in 2007.
“ I just came up and filled out the application and turned it in,” said Paez. “Like any other student my schedule fit with their schedule.”
There are currently no more positions available in the work-study program at this time according to Robinson.
Pierce College students who are interested to work may be referred to the Job Placement Center by the Financial Aid office to get help with finding a job, or they can participate in the job fair that is hosted each August at Pierce College.
