Every American should learn about social work, how it impacts society, and why it matters. Of course, many students already take social work classes as part of their degree requirements. But students can also learn about social policy by working in the field. Many part-time jobs in human services provide resume-building practical experience for related fields, including education, healthcare, law, criminal justice, journalism, community leadership, psychology, and more.
Undergraduates Can Create Career Pathways
A career pathway is a preparatory approach to starting a career. For example, a university is often a prerequisite for a variety of professions. You must have a nursing degree to be a nurse. Lawyers have law degrees. Teachers usually have education degrees.
But career pathways are also a collection of experiences, job history, memberships, and activities. Volunteerism, professional affiliations, networking, and professional experience can become part of a rich and varied pathway.
For instance, a student who graduates with an education degree is ready to start applying for teaching positions. But, because every other teacher also has a degree, that qualification alone doesn’t make a candidate stand out.
But if that student with an education degree has also volunteered with Special Olympics, held a part-time job helping adults with developmental disabilities, and been a member of the Association of Professional Humane Educators (APHE), their career pathway becomes much more focused. They’ve demonstrated commitment and gathered practical experience during their college years, setting them apart from other first-time job applicants.
Part-Time Jobs Can Build Resumes
Many students want or need to get part-time jobs while in college. However, well-paying jobs usually demand regular hours or full-time status. Because university class schedules and availability changes from semester to semester, students often take flexible positions as waiters, bartenders, or cashiers. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
With some footwork, many students can find better-paying part-time jobs that inform their chosen field, expose them to broader perspectives, and look good on resumes.
For example, at CIS, we offer part-time jobs in Spokane and South King County that start at $20 per hour. Students who work at CIS will learn about adults with disabilities and behavioral issues. Working as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), students will learn about the role of community care and some aspects of social programs in Washington State. As DSPs, our employees will gain knowledge and perspective from colleagues with expertise in education, psychology, psychiatry, government, criminal justice, healthcare, social work, administration, and human resources.
Students who work at places like CIS gain a better understanding of their chosen profession.
After all, this kind of first-hand knowledge and real-world experience fortifies career pathways and provides relevant context for many types of higher-ed coursework.
Part-Time Job Checklist for College Students
How can students find part-time jobs that build career pathways? Here are a few job-hunting tips to follow:
- Build relationships with professors. They are often asked to recommend students for good jobs. Make it clear that you’re looking for immediate part-time work related to your major.
- Talk to your college advisor. Let them know you want to build your resume with part-time work. They can often provide suggestions for employers that welcome students.
- Don’t ignore job listings for full-time work in your field. In this job market, some employers are willing to be flexible. If you let them know you’re studying the field and want to get paid experience, they may accommodate you by creating a part-time position or referring you to another opening within the company
- Try to move past the desire to work at “fun” or “cool” workplaces. Theme park or bartending position can be enjoyable, but the experience gained probably won’t impress future employers.
- Look for jobs that offer paid training. Many positions require job-specific training or certification. The employer may pay employees for the training and all fees for obtaining such credentials.
- If all else fails, request an exploratory interview, and position it as a part of your studies. During this interview, you’ll ask an executive or someone from human resources questions about what’s required to work there, what kind of people they hire, and where they advertise for new employees. Once you’ve established rapport, you can ask if they’d ever hire someone like you for part-time work. Even if they refuse, you have gathered valuable intel to help you better position yourself for the next interview.
Apply for Part-Time Work at CIS
If you or a college student you know in the Spokane or South King County area is looking for well-paying part-time work that will fortify their college resume, encourage them to apply for a position as a DSP at Community Integrated Services. We start employees at $20 an hour, and with a bit of notice, we’re usually able to work around college class schedules.
Work at CIS will enhance resumes for students getting a degree in education, healthcare, law, criminal justice, law enforcement, social work, government, social policy, sociology, nonprofit management, community development, organizational leadership, and more. Apply today!