As students, we are used to living out the stereotype of being poor. But most of us don’t wish to be completely destitute, which is why many of us go out to find jobs. The questions are where and how to find them and learning how to weave them in with hectic class schedules.
If you live on campus, it is certainly more convenient to find employment here. Once you step outside your dorm room door, the options are pretty wide. You can work in food services and sales, security or event planning. For most establishments, simply visit in person and ask for an application to fill out on the spot. For instance, the Student Center Wendy’s has application forms near the registers. A good thing about picking up an application in person is meeting with the managers face-to-face and making a good first impression.
For Marc Miller, a student in criminal justice, this method certainly worked for him when seeking employment for SEEUS (Student Eyes and Ears for University Safety), a walking escort service for after-dark hours.
“I went to the police station on campus and got an application,” Miller said. “I brought it back right before the holiday break.”
Students who are interested in seeking employment with the security services must undergo a two-week background check. Miller recommends doing this before a break or in a span of time you are willing to wait and suggests applying during the winter.
“This is when they start to weed people out,” Miller said. “[And see] how many can handle the cold.”
Of course, one does not have to go in person. Many have gotten a job simply by filling out the application online, most of which can be searched or advertised on your my.emich.edu page.
The same can be said for looking for a job off campus. Again, most restaurants and shops have online applications, but it is better going in person. If it’s possible, print the application, hand it in personally and ask to speak to the manager on duty. That way, you can properly introduce yourself, answer the manager’s on-spot questions about availability or discover key factors about the position.
When it comes to getting to and from work, having a vehicle is best. But Ypsilanti has one of the better bus services. To find out the routes of the bus, just visit them online at TheRide.org, or go to the information desk on the second floor of the Student Center and ask for the bus route information booklet.
A number of students find employment at the Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor. (Editor’s note: See Ashley Terrell’s article on Page 4 for information on which establishments are hiring.) But if crossing the borders of Ypsilanti does not suit you, there are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and shops to find jobs at, and more places are opening up.
Most jobs are either minimum wage or less with the keeping of all tips. When it comes to scheduling, most establishments put out their schedule on weekly or biweekly bases. Good luck and happy job hunting.
