Why I Chose to Work on Campus and How It Helped My Career Goals

The Financial Side Came First

Finances have always been a big consideration for me. Before jumping into anything new, I need to know I’ll be okay money-wise. Thankfully, work-study earnings at Cumberlands can either be applied directly to your tuition or received as a paycheck.

I chose to get a paycheck. I’m fortunate to have some scholarships that help cover tuition, so I didn’t need my work-study job for that. Instead, I used the money to help with other personal expenses throughout the semester.

There’s a Lot to Choose From

Cumberlands offers tons of on-campus jobs through work-study. So, how did I find the one that worked for me? Honestly... I didn’t (haha). My older sister, who’s a Cumberlands alumna, already knew about a great opportunity in the Department of Communications and Marketing, and she encouraged me to apply.

Suppose you don’t have a sibling with insider tips, no worries. Just head to your Workday profile and search “Find Student Jobs” to explore current listings.

Found a Job That Sounded Right

With my sister’s help, I found a position that sounded exciting. The next step? Apply. I updated my resume (thankfully, I had one already from a past job) and submitted it. I also applied to a few other positions, just in case. (Pro tip: I definitely recommend applying to more than one to boost your chances.)

How I Tried to Stand Out

I couldn’t rush the process or guarantee I’d get hired, but I did what I could. I stayed patient, even though I was really nervous, and sent a short, polite email to the supervisor introducing myself and letting them know I had applied.

Just a heads-up: if your financial aid package includes work-study, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be given a job. You still have to apply and take the initiative. There are usually more than enough jobs available, but some (like the one I have in communications) are more competitive. That’s why I put in the extra effort.

I also found someone who could give me a recommendation for the role. If you’ve got a former teacher, youth pastor, or past supervisor who can vouch for you, that might really help!

Congratulations—You’ve Got the Job

This is the personal part. Once I got hired, I wanted to prove I deserved the opportunity. Every assignment I’m given, I take seriously. I try to give my best effort every time because I want to grow and show appreciation for the trust placed in me.

Aligning Work-Study with Career Goals

If you can, I highly recommend finding a student job that lines up with your long-term goals. Every job teaches something valuable—whether it’s time management, communication, or handling pressure (shoutout to those heroes who work the lunch rush at Chick-fil-A). But if you already know your dream career, choosing something related can make a big difference.

Take me, for example. My dream job involves writing—maybe journalism, maybe content creation. When I heard that the communications work-study role involved real writing opportunities, I knew it was the perfect fit.

Gaining Real-World Experience on Campus

I genuinely love this job. It gives me hope for a future in writing. I work closely with the marketing team and have learned what it means to think and write like a marketer. I get to build storytelling skills and share first-person perspectives in blog posts like this one!

Not only has this experience made me a better writer, but it’s also helped me figure out what I really want to do. Before this, I was a little back and forth about the future. Now, I feel like I’ve found direction, and that’s a big deal.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

When I graduate, I won’t just be stepping into the workforce with a degree; I’ll have real, practical experience in my field. I’ll be able to list concrete skills on my resume, which I think will make a huge difference in my post-grad job search.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for now! If you’re considering student employment at Cumberlands, my advice is to look for a job that means something to you. Make yourself known with a short, friendly email. And once you land a role, pour yourself into it because you never know how much it could shape your future.

Cumberlands’ supervisors really do want you to succeed, and working on campus can be a step toward discovering what you’re meant to do!