16 Mar Heading off to college in the fall? Here’s a unique approach to finding an on-campus job.
Many college students seek part-time employment as they pursue their degree; office assistant, retail clerk, babysitting and food service worker are some of the common jobs students take. However, Florida 4-H Alumnus Jake Menendez took a less common part-time job as a general assistant with the University of Florida Meat Processing Center, or the “meats lab” as many on campus call it, for 20 hours per week.
Jake does not have an agriculture background, but thanks to his participation in a tour of the lab during 4-H University (4-H U), he was confident in applying for the position.
Jake credits 4-H U for preparing him to work at the meats lab. He states, “I think I would still be working in the meats lab if I had not participated in [the meats lab track]; however, I would not have been as prepared. I was able to have a tour and learn a little bit about what actually takes place in the meats lab. In addition, I was able to learn [skills] such as how to process a hog that put me ahead when I started working.”
Get to know the job opportunities on campus before the fall semester begins. Look beyond the traditional opportunities that you can be sure everyone is applying for. Participate in programs like 4-H University that provide you the chance to familiarize yourself with a campus. Then let us know what other unique opportunities you discover.
If you’d like to read more about Jake’s experience, check out the full write up at http://florida4h.org/blog/4hu-workforce-prep/
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