| Work-Study
Work Choice
 |
| From the
left, work-study students Esther Spencer,
Jenny Rulison, and Zakhar Berkovich gain
job skills in the Division of University
Advancement. |
UAlbany student Elisia Matthias had a choice
this year -- not just what courses she wanted,
but what job she could have at the University
that suited her skills and career objectives.
In the past, students applied for Federal Work
Study (FWS) positions and were randomly assigned
jobs within the University, but this year for
the first time, UAlbany implemented a successful
new process that allows for an element of choice,
both on the part of the employer and the prospective
employee.
Matthias worked in the Career
Development Center (CDC), and found there
excellent opportunities that relate to her field
of study, which is psychology. In addition to
her work in the Center, the CDC helped her decide
which field of psychology she would like to
study and assisted her with perfecting her resume.
The former process of assigning jobs did not
allow as much freedom of choice for students.
Typically, new students were placed in jobs on campus
without their input. This year the University
looked into a new system where students could
select their jobs online. According to Diane
Corbett, Federal Work Study coordinator in the
Office of Financial Aid:
�It allows both the student and the employer
to become more active in the job selection process.
The employer can post jobs on the site, review
the applications and respond to the job applicants,
and hire according to their needs. It�s a real
world scenario.�
 |
| Kristina
Finn |
For freshman Kristina Finn, newcomer to the
process, the new system is rewarding. It allowed
her to apply to a work study position that interested
her in the University�s Office of Media &
Marketing. She not only learned some valuable
new computer skills, such as Microsoft Excel,
but she also learned responsibility and discipline�qualities
and skills she will be able to apply to any
aspect of her life. She also added: �A student
is more enthusiastic about a job when they�re
actually interested in the job.�
All in all, the new system has won the approval
of students and they take their jobs more seriously
and responsibly. Said junior Esther Spencer,
who worked with Finn in the Office of Media
& Marketing: �This is an actual office,
people are depending on you.�
This story was written
by Jenny Rulison, a senior in the School of
Business with a concentration in marketing and
management. Jenny is a work-study student in
the Office of Media & Marketing.
Related Links:
Office
of Financial Aid
Career
Development Center
|
