To start off my blogging journey this semester I thought I would introduce myself and tell my readers my influences for this topic. Being a college student may seem like the life. Friends, parties, and independence are a few of the many rewards of the whole college experience. However, before fun can be had someone has to pay the bills. This blog will share stories of Colorado State University students who pay their own bills while still maintaining good grades and a social life. Each week I will introduce two students, their jobs and how working as a student has impacted their life. To begin, I feel it is only fair that I share my story and how I enjoy working as much as I enjoy my education.
My parents always told me growing up the day I was old enough to get a job I would have one, and right they were! Throughout high school I worked as a server at many different restaurants in the Denver area. Not working was never an option for me. As a 16-year-old I had the responsibility of a car payment, car insurance, high school sporting expenses and support for any leisure activities. When I enrolled at CSU my first mission was to find a job.
I have been working at Tandem Select for nearly three years. Tandem Select specializes in background screening for prospective employees. I have my own cubicle (not something to be proud of, I know) dual monitors and my very own name plate. As a Verifications Analyst, I check every piece of information listed on an application for employment, from high school diplomas to previous employment.
My job is the best. I have learned so many professional traits that I use every day. My phone skills have been heightened, I can write a professional, considerate email to a well-known client and not feel like a child, also I know how to use new software and explore the Internet in new and different ways.
Working in college is not an easy thing. Balancing schedules, maintaining relationships and keeping my grades up can all become a chore. But in order to support myself and the things I want to do it is necessary to learn and adapt to this lifestyle. My friends and family always come first. I’m lucky to have a job that only operates during the week, so I spend plenty of time with my loved ones on the weekend. Going to school full-time, working 20 hours a week and having great friends is all a part life.
I think it is an honor to earn, spend and enjoy the money you have made working. Staying busy and productive is a trait of the working world. Learning these traits early while in college and earning your degree can make you more valuable in the work force in the future. I hope you enjoy my future blogs and if you have any suggestions for a student/employee you would like me to interview let me know!
My companies website: http://tandemselect.com/
It is great that you found a company that is willing to work with you that you are able to attend the classes you need. Beisdes the financial benefit, you get to know what employers are really looking for as an employee, and many of the principles that come from working. I agree that it is not easy. Like you said it takes discipline to be a working college student. Kudos to you.
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