Finding a job as an undergraduate
Sam Weinstein | Feature Editor
College is an exciting time full of firsts: first roommates, first time in a new city, first time buying your own groceries, and, for many, first jobs.
Finding a job can be a daunting task, but with the assistance of school resources you can get your resume out there in no time.
The first piece of advice is to figure out what you want out of a job. It is crucial to think about what kind of commitment you are willing to make. As a college student, part-time is ideal so you can still enjoy your time at University of San Diego (USD).
The next important thing to consider is transportation. If you do not have easy access to a car or public transportation, you may want to consider working on or near campus.
USD offers many student jobs such as working in University Center Operations or getting out in the sun as part of Parking Services. and if walking is not a problem the Linda Vista community has plenty of businesses just a short distance from USD.
However, if you are willing to commute, San Diego has a plethora of companies that want students to bring fresh ideas to the table. There are plenty of restaurants and small shops within walking or short driving distance distance of USD that you can apply to. Depending on the location of your job, the trolley could be a viable option.
If transportation is not a problem, then many areas such as Kearny Mesa and Clairemont have office-oriented positions which may pay a little higher than on-campus jobs.
The next, and possibly most important task is building a solid resume. USD does everything in its power to help students succeed, and that includes providing a resource center for jobs.
The Career Services department regularly holds mock interviews, resume reviews, and career fairs for USD students to take advantage of. They can also help you narrow down your job search and build a resume. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, appointments are available with a counselor.
The last step is actually finding a job. There are several ways to find jobs in San Diego as an undergraduate student. Websites such as UrbanSitter, Craigslist, Indeed, and Rover, all provide a place to look for job openings.
You can also visit the USD Student Employment website for details on positions open on campus.
The bulletin boards on the third floor of the Hughes Administration Center are a good resource as well, because they advertise local San Diego companies and display posts from families that are looking for nannies, interns, house sitters, and tutors.
While finding a job may be a difficult experience, it is a task that can be accomplished. USD has many resources and connections in the San Diego community to help.