The Spring semester is officially underway, and Vincennes University’s Career Center held its first event for students.
Last week, students attended the Part-time Job Fair held in the Jefferson Student Union where those of all majors were encouraged to explore a variety of flexible job opportunities across multiple disciplines and industries.
The Career Center offered the opportunity for students to connect with local employers, network with professionals, and take the first step toward their next
role.
Trenton Lee, director of Career Services said, “we want to promote these businesses to students, but also these businesses are willing to work around
student schedules so that they can make money while they’re going to school.”
Lee insisted that there are opportunities for students with limited transportation.
“The City of Vincennes now has a trolley system and students can broaden their horizons as far as what jobs they want to look for off-campus,” he said.
Lee shared his own personal experience as a student with a part-time job, and he said that slow days offer the opportunity to complete school work.
“Putting yourself out there and building that experience now is what’s important down the line,” Lee said.
Because a lot of employers are looking for experienced employees, students who do work have an advantage after graduating.
Culinary arts major Kyra Wiegel already has two part-time jobs and enjoys the flexibility that they offer.
“I plan everything out first so that I don’t overwork myself, and the opportunity to do homework while on the job is really useful,” she said.
Wiegel implored working students to “have fun” with the work they do while pursuing their education.
Kiara Brown, a law enforcement major said, “the diverse campus influenced me to seek a part-time job so that I have the opportunity to meet more Black
students who look like me here.”
“Education is always first,” she said, “but if you are an organized person then having a part-time job is good, just make sure to work around your schedule and always communicate [with your employers].”
One student is looking forward to pursuing both getting his degree and a part- time job, which has newfound meaning for him.
“I’m currently 29 years old, and I’ve delayed school for so long,” said Omar Gordillo, a secondary education major from
Chicago. “But now I’m having a daughter in February with my wife, and I want to get back on my feet so we can start fresh.”
Gordillo will use what he has learned during his life experience outside of school as tools to help him with balancing work, school, and family.
“I’ve learned that time management is very important,” he said.
Some students may be eligible for a work study job and internship opportunities that are offered on-campus and can determine their eligibility by contacting the financial aid office at 812-888-4361.
The Career Center said that students and staff can look forward to upcoming fairs throughout the semester including the Business Career Fair on Feb. 27, the Homeland Security/Public Safety Career Fair on March 4, the Agricultural Career Fair on March 18, the Technology Career Fair on March 20, and the Transfer Fair on March 25.
For more information or questions about upcoming events students can contact the Career Center at 812-888-4811.
