Should College Students Do Part Time Jobs - Essay Example

Should college do part time jobs? The debate on whether college should do part time jobs is one that has caused heated debates among various stakeholders in the education and business world. However, so as to have a clear picture of the theme, it is vital to understand and assess both sides of the coin as every issue has its demerits and strengths. An analysis of the theme from one side would indeed create a lot of confusion that emanate from a one-sided view of the entire theme. This essay will then assess the negatives and positives of the college learners taking part in part time jobs. Finally, the essay will take the stand that the college learners ought to be given a chance to engage in any activities that would give them an extra coin to fulfill their needs especially in the tough economy today. Side A- College students should work As seen in the work of Halonen & Santrock, college students should work as this exposes them to the available job market without difficulties (83). It is evident that in the present day world, work experience is vital for any job seeker. Here, it is useful for college students to begin working as early as possible so as to gain the experience required from the job market. Through this, their resumes will have an added advantage over students who opt to complete their education first then work later. The authors continue to argue that such learners will impress their employers as they get impressed with their diligence and willingness to put into practice the theoretical work taught in the classroom setting as early as possible (Halonen & Santrock 84). Secondly, students ought to work whilst in college as they learn responsibilities at a tender age. Through work, students understand the commitments expected of them especially of work and how they should meet the same. Halonen & Santrock recommend time management for students who opt to engage in income generating activities while in school (83). In this case, the learners are also able to acquire the skills required in management as well as build their character that is a prerequisite for future employment. Such a student is therefore a diversified one that is able to fit in the market. This is because they have made connections with business persons in their line of their profession who have trained them well. In the course of seeking employment, this individual stands a better chance than other competitors who have the same qualifications but do not have the required experience (Halonen & Santrock 85). Part time jobs that are related to the students’ careers have trained the learners to be better time managers. In her research, Perna says that learners who have a part time job tend to do things within the stipulated time and get more organized as a great percentage of their time is already planned for (53). They, therefore, procrastinate less and organize their schedules to fit all the set activities in the day. The breaks in the day, which are usually, misused by most of the students in pass time activities are used constructively with the part time workers. This also makes them very active and helpful during the day both at school and at work. Perna’s study reveals that out of the students engaging in part time work, 59.2% of them complete their studies as compared to 53.6% of those who concentrated on school work exclusively (52). This means that students who work are more responsible and focused, validating the fact that students need to work given a chance. The Vidette Editorial Board indicates that working whilst studying is an avenue for earning good money that saves the student the wrath of being a beneficiary of their guardians at all times (1). Despite the fact the earnings may not be too much; the learners have funds for their daily activities that may not require a lot of funds (Doyle 1). However, the board argues that may only be practical for students who understand the practicality of the value of money while in school (Vidette Editorial Board 1). The working experience as the board argues is one that is invaluable for most students (Vidette Editorial Board 1). Through part time jobs, college students are best placed to be future leaders (Vidette Editorial Board 1). Through the jobs, the college students are forced to interact with a lot of people. This in turn forces them to learn to address audiences with confidence especially when given the task of being team leaders. The students also make decisions on their own whether to accept more opportunities that come their way; thus, have the ability to be good decision makers (Vidette Editorial Board 1). The part time jobs allow the students understand the nature of the workplace (Doyle 1). In the future such individuals will be more comfortable in their future jobs. However, it only applies to students who are keen to gain as much profit and learn values in the workplace as opposed to students who do not accord their jobs the much importance required. A successful learner is one who is able to balance the time at work and time at school so as to accrue maximum benefits of their minimal time (Doyle 1; Vidette Editorial Board 1). Part time jobs are a good platform for the students to get exposed to interviews at an early stage (Vidette Editorial Board 1). It is evident that interviews are one of most dreaded activities for prospective employees. Since one would not escape the part of interviews prior to getting the expected jobs, individuals that have gone through the process are well placed for any interview (Boud & Solomon 186). Among such individuals include the college students who have opted to take part in part time jobs as they have gone through several interviews. Such students who are work part-timers will feel more confident in applying for full time jobs as opposed to individuals who have never applied for any interview at all. The Vidette Editorial Board indicates that such individuals have been indicated to give detailed answers in interviews as well as behave in a professional manner in the course of interviews (1). Part time jobs for students have been indicated to provide self satisfaction for students according to the research carried out by Blerkom (xxxv). Besides earning some money, individuals develop a sense of satisfaction that results from successful time management. Part time workers are forced to not only manage everything within the stipulated time, but also deliver at work and meet deadlines in school. This explains that the individual is able to work with others, as through team work, duties can easily be delegated with minimal supervision. Side B- College students should not work Halonen & Santrock argue that college students working is an academic minus (84). This is because while students are working, they tend to focus more on their jobs as opposed to school work. This derails their academic progress as the students do not have ample time to follow up their academic goals. This is to mean that the students do not have to strain balancing work and studies especially if they have someone handling their bills. Secondly, according to Chediak, school work has been referred to as a full time commitment (272). If students force themselves to work either full or part time, reduces the load of time that should be dedicated to either of the activities. Halonen & Santrock say that all learners need time for their studies, for co-curricular activities and also for their family (19). It is clear, in this case, that being in a job reduces the time dedicated for the full schedule of the student who in turn ends up being overworked and exhausted to be useful in their school work as well as their job. School work especially courses that require commitment such as science related courses need concentration. In this case, it is clear that such students will clearly have no time to work and study (Halonen & Santrock 19). However, if they survive working, chances of their success is minimal especially in their studies. Research indicates that such learners end up graduating with pitiable grades as opposed to the students who solely focus on their studies (Halonen & Santrock 19). It is therefore recommended that such students spend a huge percentage of their time studying instead of struggling with their job and school work. Not all persons are the same. Some are able to balance both loads of studies and work while others simply cannot. Linnell gives an alarm of straining in an attempt to balance both tasks (236). The work also insists that school, work is in itself tiresome and consumes a lot of time for the student. This is to mean that students are only expected to work only when they are required to do so (Linnell 238). A contrary to this will create an individual who is less engaged in their work. The strain involved with working and studying may also be extremely depressing for individuals who are torn in the middle of attaining goals set by their educators and their employers. Such individuals are therefore less effective and may not add much value to either of their works. OConnor & Faille caution against gambling with school work in the name of part time jobs as through education individuals automatically attain financial security (3). In this case, the authors recommend that the individuals make an informed decision regarding the kind of employment they need to take part in weighing the option from both sides (OConnor & Faille 4). This relates to the fact that college students solely need to focus on their grades as school work requires time for extra research not only getting satisfied with what has been presented in class. Students need not forget the importance of the grades they attain in school. This means that the worry of working needs to be sorted out by student loans which are repaid over time by the same students after accessing jobs later. Simply put, it is important for all activities be done at the stipulated time and this is no exception for school work. Conclusion- College student should access part time jobs Conclusively, the positives of part time jobs clearly outweigh the negatives. Despite the fact that having a job whilst in college may seem awful and too tiresome especially with the pressure that comes up with class work and the co-curricular activities, the jobs have created a new brand of individuals who are prepared to confront the world of opportunities. From the essay, it is evident that having a job has proven to offer the most advantageous experiences any individual would have whilst still in college. It is through accessing the job market whilst in college that the learners have been in a position to appreciate the worth of working hard to obtain money. Students are in a position to obtain the skills of time management even under lots of pressure from all ends. Additionally, it is evident that through the part time jobs, the students are able to work with others and develop the skills of team work prior to accessing full time employment. Through the jobs as well, the students are better placed to take part in as many interviews as possible as they start this professional journey at an early stage. The students also become leaders in their own right, especially from their personal life, to their school work as well as their professional life. With this in mind, it is worth for students to take part in part time jobs as early as possible as opposed to letting go the opportunity till after school work. It is in this light recommended for all college students to take part in part time jobs so as to boost their personal and professional life. Works cited Blerkom, Dianna. College Study Skills: Becoming a Strategic Learner. London: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print. Boud, David. & Solomon, Nicky. Work-based Learning: A New Higher Education? New York: McGraw-Hill International, 2001. Print. Chediak, Alex. Thriving at College: Make Great Friends, Keep Your Faith, and Get Ready for the Real World! New York: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011. Print. Doyle, Alison. Best Part Time Jobs for College Students. 2014. Web. 22 Jan. 2014. Halonen, Jane. & Santrock, John. Connections to College Success. London: Cengage Learning, 2006. Print. Halonen, Jane. & Santrock, John. Your Guide to College Success: Strategies for Achieving Your Goals. London: Cengage Learning, 2012. Print. Linnell, Jessica. Off to College: Now What? A Practical Guide to Surviving and Succeeding Your First Year of College. Pennsylvania: Atlantic Publishing Company, 2009. Print. OConnor, David. & Faille, Christopher. Basic Economic Principles: A Guide for Students. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2000. Print. Perna, Laura. Understanding the Working College Student: New Research and Its Implications for Policy and Practice. New York: Stylus Publishing, LLC., 2012. Print. Vidette Editorial Board. College students should have a part-time job. 4 Nov. 2013. 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