Students work to support themselves through college
2 mins read

Students work to support themselves through college

Many students work throughout their college years and find work opportunities through university resources and the community.

Jodie Davis, senior nursing major, who lives off-campus and works part-time in residential dining and does work-study in the Wellness Center. For Davis, working while in school helps pay bills, personal expenses and save up for next semester.

After much experience with part-time jobs, Davis advised fellow students not to overwork themselves as that could get in the way of their studies.

Though Vermillion businesses offer a variety of part-time position for USD students, Biotest pharmaceutical has become the rage as it gives students the opportunity to earn money by donating their plasmas as long as students meet the health/medical requirement.

“I give regularly… it is definitely easy money and I will definitely recommend,” Davis said.

Benedict Odia, computer science major, prioritizes his job as a resident assistant after classes because of the responsibility it entails and interpersonal skills he develops by having the job.

“I keep a concrete schedule and live around it, balancing academics, work and social life,” Odia said.

Navietya Patle, political science and international studies major, has worked in a series of student positions around campus. He said he works to get experience such as better interactive skills, a broader knowledge and exploration on his academic major, and practice trainings on the career world.

For Patle and Odia who are international students, working off-campus and more than 20 hours a week is illegal. International students have to keep in mind that aside from balancing work and school, meeting the government’s requirement is necessary.

“People need to prioritize and make sure that school comes first because that is the reason why we (students) are here,” Davis said.

“If I want to make money I can just work anywhere, but my first motive is to get experience…a job that can add something tangible to my life. At the end of the day I am still getting the money,” Patle said.

The Academic & Career Planning Center (ACPC) hosted USD Work Study and Part-Time Job Fair which gave students the opportunity to apply for jobs ranging from part-time jobs to internships.

The ACPC manages Coyote Careers, a central career services hub that assists students in finding job positions with potential employers.

Kasandra Girard, employer relations advisor, said the hub is comprised of work-study positions, part-time on-campus jobs, internships, full-time jobs and relevant part-time jobs.

Girard said that Coyote Careers has more than just searching and applying for work positions as it features a great way to get connected with opportunities that will help in career planning.