Employment running scarce
With the economy in recession and budget cuts on the rise it is becoming more impossible than ever to find a job anywhere, not to mention Logan.
Utah State University employs 3,272 students, a number that has dropped significantly in recent years.
Jennifer McGaughey, staff assistant of Student Employment, said, “We used to have an average of 70 open postings a day on the job board, but since budget cuts, it has decreased to about 41. It seems like student employment is where a lot of departments are cutting down.”
Many students complain about the job market in Cache Valley.
Jacob Little, a freshman majoring in chemistry, said, “Logan is a small city saturated with so many students, it is really hard to find a job.”
Besides just the size, Logan is secluded, unlike most of the other cities in the state that host universities along the Wasatch Front. USU has gained somewhat of a reputation.
Desiree Hancock, a junior majoring in anthropology, said, “When I decided to go to USU, one of the first things people warned me about was the lack of quality jobs.”
To get an on-campus job, the process is three fold. First, check the board in the Taggart Student Center. (Or check online for postings at www.usu.edu/studemp/.) Second, after choosing two jobs, write them down and bring them to the Student Employment Center, also located in the TSC. Finally, staffers will provide all the details of the job, including contact information.
USU is an equal-opportunity employer, which means all positions must be posted at a time and place where everyone can see. McGaughey said the employer must post the position for 24 hours or have at least three interviews after the job has been made public. By law, employers must follow the rules, but many times departments will already know who they are going to hire, she said. They post the jobs anyway to go through the legal motions.
Students go through the process of looking at the job board, finding a job that meets their needs, writing down two job numbers and receiving a print out, and calling for an interview, only to find the job has already been taken. Sometimes the jobs go quickly, but in many instances the position has been already filled because the department has previously hired through another channel.
Dan Olsen, a freshman majoring in chemistry, said he is looking for a job that can give him experience.
“Most people I know have gotten their jobs through connections,” he said.
Emily Henzi, a sophomore majoring in social work, has had the same experience. After searching for 18 months for a job, Henzi said, she was recently hired on campus through a connection.
“Basically, everyone I work with has been hired because they knew somebody,” she said.
As an alternative to working, some students opt to take out student loans with the idea that they’ll pay them back after graduation, when they have a full-time job with a high-paying salary.
For USU students seeking employment, the big question is off campus or on campus? There are definite advantages and disadvantages to both sides. Off-campus jobs generally pay more than those on campus.
“Jobs on campus are competitive. Employers pay minimum wage because, frankly, they can,” McGaughey said.
Convenience is also a consideration.
Kathryn Leeman, a senior majoring in interior design, works in the computer labs.
“It’s so nice to get out of class and just walk over to your job,” she said.
Off-campus jobs are less likely to be flexible with a student’s schedule, while on-campus jobs tend to be more adaptable.
Dallin Cowles, a sophomore majoring in social studies and computer teaching, likes working on campus because of the social aspect.
“I have cool coworkers, and I get to work with fun people,” he said.
McGaughey said the positions that go fastest on campus are office assistants, receptionists and library staff. The slowest to go are usually custodial or food service jobs.
Brad Bryant, a graduate accounting student who works at the computer labs, said, “Jobs are scarce. I’m just glad I don’t have to work at The Hub or Convergys.”
When it comes to jobs, the early birds get the worms.
McGaughey gave a few tips: Jobs are posted at 8 a.m. on the job board in the Taggart Student Center, so check first thing in the morning. Check every day, and be consistent. Sometimes résumés are required, so it is a good idea to have one on hand for short-notice interviews.
–jordan@cc.usu.edu