With approximately 900 students from Taylor University employed on campus, numerous individuals have become adept at managing and harmonizing their academic responsibilities, work commitments, and personal life boundaries.
One such student is Kayla Smits, a sophomore who is currently in her second semester working at the front desk of Grace Olson Hall. Her primary duties entail organizing packages and mail, lending kitchen supplies to residents, and vending snacks to both guests and residents of Olson Hall.
According to Smits, working within her residential building offers a convenient and stress-free experience. The close proximity to her dorm room allows her to seamlessly transition from socializing with friends to focusing on her studies, and then easily attending to her job duties downstairs.
Working in the residence halls also provides students with the benefit of flexible hours. Many students strike a balance by maintaining a consistent shift during the week and opting to take on additional hours during the weekends. This flexibility enables them to fulfill their work responsibilities without compromising their overall college experience.
Encouraging others to consider applying for similar positions, Smits remarked, “It’s a very pleasant job to have—low-maintenance, genuinely enjoyable, and a source of income, which is beneficial.”
Another student, freshman Katie Forman, serves as a check-out desk assistant at the Zondervan Library. In her role, she assists patrons with book check-outs, aids students in locating resources, and ensures the smooth operation of library services.
Forman expressed her enthusiasm for the job, stating, “I love it. I believe it’s a great fit for me. It requires a degree of social interaction, yet it also offers a quieter environment.”
Through her work at the library, Forman has honed her ability to juggle academic demands, work responsibilities, and personal life early on in her college journey. She finds the workload manageable and appreciates the supportive environment she is a part of.
Forman highlighted that while balancing challenging coursework and various commitments may pose initial difficulties, establishing a routine that works becomes easier with time. Typically, student workers at the library put in around 6-8 hours per week, ensuring a reasonable workload.
Encouraging prospective applicants, Forman shared, “Finding a work environment where you click with your colleagues and supervisors can be challenging, but I’ve found that here. I really enjoy it.”
Additionally, junior Alex Zazzo finds fulfillment in her role at Taylor University Admissions, where she handles inquiries, processes applications, conducts campus tours, and engages with prospective students and families.
Zazzo particularly enjoys interacting with potential students, guiding them through their Taylor experience, and witnessing their journey to enrollment.
She noted that the work-study balance may fluctuate each semester, with busier academic periods posing challenges. However, with a lighter class schedule this semester, Zazzo has been able to increase her work hours.
For those interested in applying, Zazzo emphasized that Admissions seeks individuals who are willing to provide exceptional service to families, engage in conversations with strangers, exude warmth and hospitality, and possess the ability to walk backward while conducting tours.
For those eager to contribute to Admissions and create a memorable experience for prospective students visiting Taylor, consider hosting a student overnight and ensuring their stay is exceptional!
As students acclimate to the rhythm of balancing work, academic pursuits, and personal life on campus, many at Taylor University encourage their peers to explore on-campus job opportunities and share the positive experiences they have had while working within the university community.