By Faith Boyum
Managing Editor
Faith.Boyum5336@mb.rctc.edu
Some students may not be aware, but there is a wide variety of work-study positions at RCTC that may suit their interests and supplement their income.
To apply for work-study, students must fill out a FAFSA form online and indicate that they are interested in having work-study employment. After receiving their financial aid notice, they must also qualify for a work-study award in order to be eligible to begin applying for positions.
Students who have not been awarded work-study but would like to apply can contact Cheryl Morgan at cheryl.morgan@rctc.edu and request that their name be added to the waiting list.
Once students have completed this paperwork for the financial aid office, they can choose which positions they want to apply for by contacting the appropriate person to schedule an interview. Some of the positions are traditional desk jobs, but there are many that are more unusual.
For example, one work-study position possibility is lab assistant. A lab assistant sets up for science experiments and cleans up afterwards.
“Be prepared to work hard,” said David Williamson, the supervisor for this position. Students in this position are on their feet a lot and need to be careful because they are working with chemicals and lab equipment that must be handled in a safe manner.
Echo photo by Faith Boyum
Amina Hasanovic does work-study as a lab assistant. Her experience in this position is connected to her studies in Clinical Lab Science. Students receiving financial aid may apply for other work-study positions.
Another unusual work study position is as a music technician for sporting events. These students are responsible for creating playlists of “clean” music and playing them at RCTC games.
“It is unique from other positions in that it does require a specific set of skills versus a general position,” said Mike Lester, RCTC’s athletic director.
The student worker in this position should know how to operate the sound systems and understand digital media downloading. Lester also stated that this position requires familiarity with the game schedule because the game and work schedules fluctuate, and the technicians need to know when it is or is not appropriate to play music during the game.
While individual requirements may vary between positions, prospective work-study students should be aware that, as in all employment situations, the people doing the hiring and interviewing are looking for candidates who are reliable and competent. In many ways, a work-study job can help build workplace experience to prepare students for jobs after graduation.
For those interested in applying for a work-study position, a complete list of positions can be found at http://www.rctc.edu/financialaid/html/StudentEmploymentRCTC.html.
The key to finding a good work-study position is to finalize a study schedule that will work with your job and avoid procrastination.
“Apply early. It’s much easier to get people in work-study positions early in the semester,” Williamson advised.