Insight and reasons why students should seek out pay and employment during their schooling

Quynh Thuy Truong
Staff Writer 

While being employed may seem too serious for you, many international students are enjoying and benefiting from campus jobs in various ways.

According to Mary Meulblok, an international student’s advisor, there are around 5% of international students currently working on campus. International students are most frequently employed to be tutors, computer lab assistants, and student ambassadors. However, there are many other job opportunities offered by Pierce College.

Work hours are flexible. Students are allowed to work for 12 hours at maximum and there are usually no minimum hours. Wages vary, depending on specific occupations and most jobs offer minimum wages of $9 per hour.

Requirements differ between jobs. For example, a tutor must have a GPA of 3.0 in general and 3.5 in the tutored subject whereas a computer lab assistant must pass a competence test. And student ambassadors must successfully run for the position by exhibiting a wholesome personality, excellent academic and social skills, a positive and helpful attitude, and an adequate understanding of Pierce College campus.

So what can students benefit from a job?

Obviously students can earn money, and although it may not pay for tuition or rent it can help buy textbooks or satisfy hobbies, such as going out, eating out, travelling or enjoying America.

Also, self-esteem can also improve because students have the capability of paying for some things on their own and they no longer have to ask parents about purchasing a jacket or going to a favorite Korean restaurant.

International students can also socialize with various people and understand more about cultural diversity in America. This helps to enhance knowledge and leadership.

By tutoring students or assisting computer users, students can review class work.

“I use information from the Keyboard class a lot and it supports my study,” says Lily, an international student working as a computer lab assistant.

In a more practical way, a job will strengthen a college application.

“Well, if international students transfer to 4-year universities and they have already had a job, it can actually make them better candidates. You know? It shows responsibility and good time management skills,” said Meulblok.

However, nothing is perfect. Having a job may not be a complete advantage for some students as it can be stressful at times.

“They [job and school] are two big time commitments for me. You have to be flexible and determined to juggle them,” says Kiu Fung, an international student and a supplemental instructor.

A job can cut fun time short, so instead of chatting with buddies after class, students will probably be working.

Even though having an on-campus job can refine academic skills, improve leadership skills and boost communication capability, students must work hard for it. As a tutor, students have to occasionally reread textbooks. As a foreign language speaker, its required for students to speak more in English, which leaves them vulnerable to insecurity about their un-American accents. As an employee, you have to follow certain rules: be on time, dress appropriately, be civil, friendly, calm and patient.

It’s up to each individual to decide if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Most students refuse to apply for jobs because of stress and time strain. Some feel they are compensated by valuable experience.