By: Sam Mitchell
April 17, 2026
I can guarantee that the vast majority of Thiel College students have expenses of some kind that require funding. However, not all of us have successfully found jobs to cover our expenses. Maybe it is conflicts with scheduling. Perhaps the specific position desired is already full. Sometimes, the interview did not go very well. Or the applicant simply did not get the job. Whatever the circumstances, it is a learning experience for us all. However, the lack of having a job does not equal the lack of available jobs. Although it is tiresome and time consuming to search for employment, there are many available jobs on campus and off campus available to students. It is important to not give up on the search.
“But Sam, why should I have a job while I am a student?” Said no one in particular, but I am sure we have all thought it at some point. There are many reasons to have a job while being a student besides the obvious fact that we live in a capitalistic society. Thiel College’s beloved campus store manager and interim career coordinator, Nalini Downing, states, “Employment helps students develop responsibility, time management, and real‑world experience that employers value after graduation. Even part-time work can significantly strengthen a student’s résumé while teaching skills that extend far beyond the classroom.” Downing’s favorite positions on campus to recommend are at campus store, the library, residence life, dining services, or academic departments.
Speaking of dining services, AVI Food Systems are a wonderful resource for student employment as the crew members are friendly, loving, and the schedules are flexible. As someone who works with AVI Food Systems, I can proudly and genuinely say that I love my job, and it is everything I need for a busy schedule. Lisa Johnston of AVI Food Systems shares her input about working with the company, “I suggest it. Especially for students working during the school year because we work around your activities, around your school. We work with you. We are always looking forward to new student employees!”
Another great example of on-campus employment goes hand in hand with academics. For those who do well in classes, they are able to become Peer Learning Leaders for The Learning Commons. These jobs are unique as the employees are recommended by professors for the positions, then the students are invited to apply. These positions include tutors, Writing Lab consultants, study group leaders, and conversational coaches. Hannah Keeling, the coordinator of peer-led learning states that, “We are for everyone. We are free, we are friendly, and there is no stigma for coming here. We want to see you.” Keeling loves working with the students as do student workers Gigi Castro and Lexi Brown. “It’s rewarding to see them (the tutees) improve, and you make friends out of it,” smiles Castro. Brown, who has many positions on campus believes that all of the positions are beneficial for “Getting to learn different skills and meeting new people.” Brown continues, “I feel like the connections with people you make are really important as well as the skills you get to learn.”
Overall, finding on campus may be a struggle for some students, but it is very important and rewarding beyond financial gain. There are many reasons to find employment and through Handshake and Indeed for AVI Food Systems, you just have to continue through the search.
