With the high price of college, many students work while they attend school in order to pay off the cost of education and living expenses.
Susan Webb, director of career services at Ottawa University, said one way college students can easily work while going through school is through the federal work-study program. Ottawa University has implemented this program ever since the Federal Government first enacted it. Webb has been running the program for the past six years.
“I’m passionate about career development,” she said.
Webb said the work-study program is a comprehensive program. If students do not already have the skill sets needed for the specific job they are employed in, they will be trained.
“Developing skills is a major component to the work-study program.” Webb said.
Webb said there are many opportunities Ottawa University offers through the work-study program, including on campus and off campus jobs. She said there are many places for students to work, including the Hull Center, the computer lab and the student union. Any place that needs student help can get work-study employees, she said.
Hutch Bogdan, Junior, works in the campus mailroom located in the union. He encouraged students to use the work-study program to their advantage.
He said there have been downsides such as taking away time he could have used to put in extra workouts, studying and leisure, but working on campus has many benefits.
“It has kept me busy and taught me about time management,” Bogdan said.
Bogdan also said there is a benefit in being able to earn an income while in school.
“Getting paid without having to rely on your parents is nice and it allows you to be more independent,” he said.
One of the most beneficial elements Webb pointed out is that the work-study program allows one to learn life skills that will be needed in the future.
The work-study program is not the only way students are working their way through college.
Terri Reynolds, Junior, is an example. She is currently employed at Applebee’s in Ottawa. Reynolds has worked at this local restaurant for the past four months, and puts in an average of 32 hours a week, she said.
“It’s not for everybody,” she said. “It’s a challenge and not everyone can juggle both.”
Reynolds said there are disadvantages of having an off campus job, just the same as working through the work-study program. These include missing out on having fun with friends and activities on campus, she said.
“It has definitely kept me out of trouble and I have learned how to manage my time,” she said.