For 3,893 students, Wayne State University is not only their destination for learning but also their workplace.
In fact, recently released data for fiscal year 2015 revealed that students serving as student assistants or in federal work-study positions at WSU collectively earned $11,278,685 - an average of $2,897 per student.
Ron Kent, director of Wayne State University Career Services, believes the dual role of being both a member of the student body and the university's workforce is a rewarding experience for students.
"Our office just completed a pilot assessment of student employees, and the results were very encouraging," said Kent. "A significant percentage of students found their experience in the university's workforce to be beneficial in the classroom in areas such as time management, problem solving and preparation for full-time employment, to name a few."
The assessment study, introduced this year, asked student employees to rate their experience in 10 areas:
"¢ At the top of the scale, 88 percent agreed their employment experience helped them in working effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
"¢ Used critical thinking skills to form opinions and solve problems - 86 percent
"¢ Developed time management skills - 84 percent
"¢ Full-time employment preparation - 82 percent
"¢ Improved oral communication skills - 78 percent
"¢ Made connections between work and life as a student - 75 percent
"¢ Developed conflict resolution skills - 67 percent
"¢ Helped to learn about career options - 67 percent
"¢ Observed connections between job and major coursework - 59 percent
"¢ Improved written communication skills - 57 percent
Balancing classes and work is a formidable challenge, according to student assistant and sophomore Michael Seaton, 20, who splits up to 15 hours weekly between the Office of Marketing and Communications and Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
"Definitely time management has been the key for me. When I graduated from high school, I quickly had to transition to the roles of college student and student assistant," said Seaton. "It was a challenge balancing everything, but I committed myself to getting it done."
Although filling the dual roles as a student and employee can be a challenge, Seaton said his supervisors told him from the beginning to, "Always remember you are a student first."
Seaton also has a tip for those seeking a student assistant position: "Don't just view it as a job, think of it as an opportunity."