Work-study students delve beneath surface of academia

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Eileen_Liu_1.jpg” caption=”Eileen Liu, a work-study student with the Office of Public Relations, has learned a variety of communications skills since starting her work-study job with the Office of Public Relations this fall. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay”]Within the first couple of weeks of September, I went to two receptions and ate delicious, free food. Since then, I've taken up photography, even though, previously, I didn't know how to take a photo to save my soul. My writing has been deemed worthy of publication on the University website. Last month, I met McMaster President Peter George.

These are all things that I never imagined I would say. But now I can, thanks to my job as a work-study student in McMaster's Office of Public Relations.

On the morning of Aug. 1, I was sitting at my computer waiting for a new series of work-study jobs to be posted on eRecruiting, Career Services' job search website. These jobs were a part of the fall/winter work-study program run through the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships (SFAS).

As one of the services provided by SFAS, the fall/winter work-study program provides an extra source of income for students who can demonstrate financial need. This means students who want to get involved must apply to the Ontario Student Assistance Program, although they do not need to be in receipt of student loans. But while the program is of great help to university students who are low on cash, participants agree the money isn't the only drawing point.

Fourth-year computer engineering & management student, Stephen Quinlin, spent his summer in the work-study program as a web assistant for SFAS, updating and fine-tuning its website. “The best part of my job was that I learned a lot of things that I would normally do on my own time,” he says. “Web design is a huge hobby of mine. I didn't know too much going in, but now I have the skills of a professional web designer.”

Other students express similar sentiments. Erin Harrison is a fourth-year biology & psychology student working as a research assistant in the Department of Pediatrics. “I've learned so many things that it's hard to say which one is the most valuable. I'd have to say that the most important skill I've learned is how to interact with people. It's an important skill to have for every career and the nurses I work with have shown me how to improve my people skills.”

My own experience in the public relations office is similar. As a student, I see McMaster as a school where I go to class and professors assign work. But little did I know that beneath the surface of academia lies an intricate and sophisticated network of people who strive to give the University a prominent place in the community. I have been exposed to a new world and the experiences I acquire here will stay with me and assist me in all my future endeavors.

Deborah McIvor, communications officer for SFAS, gained valuable work experience and began her post-secondary career while a student in McMaster's work-study program. The program opened doors on her career path, she says, noting students who go through the program often come out with concrete examples of their workmanship. It provides students with the opportunity to exercise and improve their skills in a dynamic and challenging environment and their employers can also become important job references in the future.

The work-study program also benefits employers. Twice a year, an email is sent to all University departments calling for proposals for work-study funding. All McMaster employers are eligible for funding, even if they are not located on campus. The work-study job must be created specifically for the student and cannot simply be a replacement for full-time positions.

“Our work programs are very popular with employers,” says Jill Davren, a student loan officer in SFAS. “At any one time, there are around 600 jobs funded through the program and students are doing a wide range of jobs: office work, research, website design, daycare, athletics, physical plant, even a fruit fly feeder. We have everything you can think of.”

The Ontario government funds the fall/winter work-study program. SFAS provides up to $7.50 per hour depending on how much the employer is willing to pay the student. Most wages average around $9 per hour. “Employers love it,” Davren says. “They are able to tackle projects that wouldn't otherwise get done without the benefit of funding from the fall/winter work-study program – and perhaps the extra set of hands.”

Erik Enders, a fourth-year environmental science student, agrees. “It's convenient and cheaper than hiring outside of the school.” Working as an administrative assistant in Grounds, Enders believes the program creates a lot of opportunities for both students and employers.

“This program helps employers understand that university students are capable and trustworthy,” says Natalie Giosa, a fourth-year commerce student working in the Centre for Student Development as a marketing and promotions assistant.

McIvor agrees. “It's important for employers to have contact with students. The student perspective can be really valuable.

Students interested in the work-study program must apply through MUGSI and wait for approval. But receiving approval does not guarantee a job; it is still the student's responsibility to apply to the jobs posted on eRecruiting.

All participants I interviewed agree it is important to take an active role in seeking out the right job. Says Harrison, “you still have to do the work behind it.” She suggests taking advantage of the many assistance programs offered through Career Services. In the end, however, the work-study program supplies students with the opportunity to invest in both their education and future career.

In my few shorts months in the office, I hope I have been able to contribute positively. With the first term drawing to a close, I want to add to the list of things I never thought I would do: develop my skills, increase my network of contacts, provide support work for the office. And who knows? Maybe I'll bump into Peter George again.