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Student employment is an important practice for a college student. Whether a student is dedicating time to an internship, working part-time or employed seasonally, some form of work experience is essential to building all sorts of skills used throughout your adult life. Employment at a younger age teaches time management, work ethic, job experience, dedication, social skills and proper work space behavior. Every student employee interviewed throughout this blog enjoys every minute of their job. Students are becoming independent, stable and learning to appreciate the value of a hard earned dollar. College is all about preparation. Preparation for real world and the obstacles we will all face. Tied together with a proper college education, a person with strong work ethic and willingness to succeed will go far in a career. The Colorado State University students interviewed in this blog are all going places, from reporting from a sporting event to teaching biology in a middle school classroom and even to performing on stage in front of thousands of fans. Thank you for reading!

"Black Prez"

After interviewing numerous CSU students about their student employment and why it is important to have job, I found myself almost on autopilot. I listened, appreciated and stayed interested in everyone’s job description, work ethic and their views on student employment, but all the answers started to sound repetitive. Of course it is going to be common that college students are employed on campus and of course they are going to love it! Of course students are looking into their future when they are working, they are building work experience, work ethic and useful skills outside of the classroom. When I began this blog, I didn’t expect so many commonalities between students. Then I ran into Josh Madry.  

Josh is a musician. Some may know him as “Black Prez”. Josh is a well-known rap artist around the Fort Collins community. Already earning his degree in social work, Josh is now studying to complete his masters in High School Counseling. Being a musician keeps Josh busy while giving him a steady income. He makes money through song and album purchases, “Black Prez” clothing and paid performances. “The best part about my job is getting to do what I love,’ says Josh.

Many people would love the opportunity to be a successful musician and Josh is an inspiration. Although he is his building his popularity as “Black Prez”, he is also earning a great education to mentor and change the life of children.

View the latest music video from "Black Prez" -  Check out his blog too!

Making Ends Meet

Students may find employment as a form of independence. Moving away from your family and into the dorms is a common first step of personal independence. It isn’t until rent is due and the bills need to be paid that a student knows they can financially support themselves without their parents help. Like me, some students must pay for all utilities of life.  Tuition, rent, bills, and leisure activities can add up to be an expensive lifestyle. Student employment may be a choice for some, but is required for others.

Health and Exercise Science major, Ryan Hedrick prefers to work in order to spend his own money. “I want to be on my own two feet and not have to depend on others for my success,” says Ryan. It is a rewarding experience to spend your own hard earned money on things you enjoy in life. 

Any student looking for extra cash or desperately need a job, Colorado State University offers help through the StudentEmployment Services website and also through the student portal RamWeb.  

Cams Lobby Shop - James Robinson

The Lory Student Center is a place full of student resources. The student center is also a great place to find an on-campus job. Many students from previous blog posts in fact work in the Lory Student Center. Some places inside the student center have yet to be discussed. The CSU Bookstore occupies two levels on the student center, equipped with text books, school supplies and Ram apparel. There is a full food court for the students and faculty convenience, consisting of Taco Bell, Panda Express, Bagel Place, Carls Jr., Subway and a few others that students may work with. On the lower level of the student center, a student can find the only on-campus bar, the Ram Skeller, where students can train to become bartenders and servers. Also located on the lower level near the main entrance is the campus convenience store, Cams Lobby Shop.

Social Work major, James Robinson is a cashier at Cams Lobby Shop. The lobby shop is similar to a gas station without the pumps. They offer quick snacks and drinks for students on the go. “The best part about my job are the people I work with and the fact that the managers work with my schedule as a student,” says James. On-campus jobs are more likely to be flexible with a student schedule, plus it is beneficial to work on-campus so it is easy to get to and from work and class.

Visit the Lory Student Center website or Cams Lobby Shop website for more information. 

Tim Brogdon

Tim Brogdon, political science major, is the Director of Student Services for ASCSU. Tim shares his passion for CSU through ASCSU by participating in high level decisions and program events. Associated Students of Colorado State University is known as “the student voice” on campus, they assist and support student programs throughout campus such as RamRide, the Collegiate Readership Program as well as many others.

However, while interviewing Tim he revealed his passion for his second job, a Bartender at the popular, hot-spot Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “The best part about working at Fuzzy’s is getting off campus and interacting with Fort Collins outside of CSU,” says Tim. Fuzzy’s is a new Mexican style restaurant located nearly a mile west of campus. With their tasty margaritas and oversized burritos, Fuzzy’s has quickly become “the” place to be. 

Tim is experiencing the best of both worlds. He holds two very fun, interactive job positions. At ASCSU, he gets to be involved and make a difference for the Ram community and at Fuzzy’s he gets to enjoy the essence of college life as a bartender at a popular bar near campus.

Visit the ASCSU website for more information and check out the Fuzzy’s website for daily deals! 

Plasma Donations $$$

Not every college student has a part-time job on the side of school work. Some students simply do not have time for school, work and a social life. Some students may be involved in clubs, athletics or campus organizations. Other students are financially and personally stable enough to focus all their time on earning their degree. But the job market in Fort Collins can make for a troubling time for a student seeking employment. When employment cannot be found, some students are forced to think outside the box.

Reilly Kelsen, a Construction Management major, donates his plasma to the CSL PlasmaCenter for cash twice a week. “I donate plasma because right now I currently don’t have a job and that is really my only source of income without watching my bank account drop drastically,” says Reilly, “Even if I do get a job soon, I still plan on donating plasma because it’s an easy way to get a little extra cash for the week without touching my bank account.”

Plasma donors can earn up to $300 a month for their contributions, this may be more than some students make with a part-time job. There are pros and cons when it comes to plasma donations though. This process works great for students like Reilly who cannot find a job at this time, but on the other hand some students may not be comfortable with the process.

To learn more about donating plasma, contact the CSL Plasma Center in Fort Collins, Colo.

Molly Govern

Molly Govern will be graduating this December and earning her Biomedical Sciences Degree from Colorado State University. Molly took a different approach this fall semester when it came to student employment. CSU offers many online courses through OnlinePlus. With this in mind, Molly left Fort Collins and moved to Parker, Colo. in hopes of beginning her career early only a semester before graduation.

Molly landed a job as the Registrar at Aurora Hills Middle School. “My degree was virtually complete by the beginning of this fall semester and so I took the chance by completing online courses and it worked out great,” says Molly, “I’m gaining work experience in a school prior to getting my teaching license. I feel like I’m on top of my game!”

If online courses interest you, check out the Colorado State University OnlinePlus program.