The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

On-Campus jobs benefit student, university

By Destiny Montes

Student workers balance work, school, family and personal matters, which is no easy task.

Mandolyn Nixon, a senior history major, has one of the most competitive student positions on campus as the student assistant to Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s Office of the President. She assists President Cynthia Teniente-Matson with daily tasks.

“It really helps working up there because when I am done here, I am going to a master’s program,” Nixon said. “You learn to work quickly, proficiently and make sure everything is perfect.”

The university currently has more than 100 student workers spread across nine different departments. Student workers apply through the office of human resources and are required to pass a criminal background check. A student worker can work up to 19 hours per week. Rates of pay depend on status: Student Worker I, $9.00; Student Worker II,  $10.00; Tutor I, $10.00; and Tutor II, $11.50.

“The most important benefit that student workers have from working on campus is development of their work ethic and skills, which they should be able to leverage as transferable skills after graduation,” said Annette Wilson, director of Career Services.

Wilson’s department serves as a one-stop shop for career preparation, tips and thorough research, which takes students step-by-step through the campus related hiring process.

During employment, Wilson said student workers gain a wealth of information on how higher education and the world of employment works.

According to UC San Diego, studies show students who work up to 30 hours a week do just as well or better academically than those who don’t. The same research also shows students who work on campus are more likely to persist in their studies.

As a student worker, students become more familiar and comfortable at their campus, and with the faculty, staff and other students.

“I like it on campus… I study and meet new students,” Brenda Soto, recreational sports assistant and biology major said. Soto shares she preferred a job where she can walk from class right to work.

Michael McGraw, Recreational Sports assistant and business administration major, said he reaps the benefits of working on campus.

“I am currently taking 18 hours,” McGraw said. “This is convenient for me. It works best for my schedule.”

McGraw said the downtime to complete homework and networking with fellow students as incentives for working for the recreational sports center.  

About the Author

Destiny Montes
Destiny Montes is a reporter for The Mesquite at Texas A&M-San Antonio and will soon graduate with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Destiny currently serves as president of the campus chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. She envisions using her education and skills to write, plan and organize professionally. Destiny says, "I love Jesus, have an appreciation for collecting stamps, crafting and drinking coffee."

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