In the evolving landscape of higher education, the strategic employment of student workers presents a multifaceted opportunity to enhance both institutional operations and student success. This symbiotic relationship, fostered through on-campus and remote work opportunities, yields benefits that extend beyond the mere financial assistance it provides to students.
At SHSU Online, we explore the comprehensive advantages of employing student workers, considering the evidence supporting the positive impacts on college retention, academic success, and the burgeoning domain of remote work experiences.
Financial Support and Beyond
The primary benefit for students working on campus is financial support. This income helps manage living expenses and reduces the need for large student loans, thereby decreasing the financial stress associated with higher education. However, the advantages extend into work experience and skill development, as these opportunities offer valuable hands-on experience that is often directly applicable to their future careers.
Enhancing Academic and Social Integration
Another perspective of consideration when it comes to hiring student workers relates to the academic and social integration support they receive by connecting with a team on campus. Campus employment significantly contributes to students' engagement with the university community, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty. This deepened engagement is crucial for student retention, as it builds networks that are beneficial both personally and professionally. Furthermore, the integration of work and study can reinforce academic learning, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts, thereby enhancing their overall educational experience.
Evidence suggests a positive correlation between employing student workers and college retention rates. Financial stability, campus engagement, and the development of professional skills are pivotal in encouraging students to persist in their academic pursuits. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has shown that students who work a moderate number of hours on campus tend to have better retention rates, underlining the importance of creating meaningful employment opportunities that support students' educational goals.
Academic Success
Of increasing importance is the consideration toward the student’s academic success. The relationship between on-campus employment and academic performance is positive, albeit nuanced. Working up to 20 hours a week can lead to better time management skills, increased engagement with the campus community, and the application of academic learning in practical settings. These factors contribute to improved academic performance, highlighting the potential for on-campus work to support students' academic achievements.
According to Conner Farias, a student worker in the Online Media Innovation unit at SHSU Online, "Working at SHSU Online has been an amazing opportunity to express my creativity and love for filmmaking in a professional and welcoming work environment, learning new skills within an encouraging team of creative and talented staff members. I'd recommend this position to anyone in this field who wants to gain experience, build a portfolio, improve their skills, and develop their own ideas while collaborating with like-minded peers."
Remote Work: A New Frontier
The advent of remote work opportunities for student workers aligns with broader trends towards remote and flexible work arrangements. This mode of employment offers flexibility, allowing students to balance work, studies, and personal life more effectively. Moreover, remote work teaches essential modern workplace skills, such as digital communication and self-discipline, preparing students for the digital economy.
For universities, offering remote work expands the talent pool, enabling the employment of students best fit for specific roles, regardless of their physical location. This operational flexibility, combined with the potential for cost savings and the elimination of barriers to workforce access, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to student employment.
According to Donald Modisette, Jr., SHSU Online Support Desk Manager, “The evolving workforce is trending more and more toward digital and remote configurations. Our student workers have a unique opportunity early in their careers to engage in a job that not only provide them with broad skills for their future—such as customer service, critical thinking, time management, and technical writing—but also offers the flexibility of remote work that complements their class schedules. Our student workers are thriving, still creating genuine relationships with their peers without the need for face-to-face visits or commutes to an office."
The strategic employment of student workers, both on-campus and remotely, offers a comprehensive array of benefits that extend well beyond financial support. These opportunities enhance student engagement, academic success, and professional development, while also providing universities with a flexible, diverse, and efficient workforce. As higher education continues to evolve, embracing these employment models will be crucial in preparing students for the future workforce, ensuring they are not only academically successful but also equipped with the skills necessary for a changing global job market.