advice

What the heck is work study? The skinny on working in college

10/30/2017 by afuller Leave a Comment

Applying for work study can be a tricky process. Many incoming students don’t fully understand the difference between work study and on-campus work. Let’s clear up some common myths and dive right into the differences in work experiences for college.

Work Study

Work study is a federal program where the government pays your college for you to work. You can apply for work study when you fill out your FAFSA. Once approved for work study, you’ll get an award that represents the maximum you can make for the quarter. After that it’s up to you to find a work study position. At EWU your employer is usually more willing to work with you and may help you create a flexible schedule to help ensure you use your full award. If you’re a work study student, you may have an advantage over non-work study students because the government incentivizes universities to hire work study students.

Work study jobs can range from teaching assistantships to jobs in campus dining locations. Once you’ve been approved for work study through FAFSA, you need to submit paperwork to EWU. After that you can find a great guide on how to apply to EWU jobs here. While working with any university you will be limited to 19 hours a week as a student and 40 hours a week while on break.

A note: I spoke with Student Employment and they explained that work study is a job and not an award. You’ll get paid for your hours as you go through them, not at the beginning of the quarter.

Work Study Myths

The myth: works study jobs let you study and get paid for it. That would be nice if it was true, but it’s not. While some jobs might have lag times where you can work on homework you still have a job with real responsibilities.

The myth: work study is guaranteed money. Nope. Work study does not guarantee you a position, and there are more students approved for work study than there are positions. Keep your resume strong and prepare for your interview like you would for any job.

On-Campus Work

On-campus (non-work study) work includes work study jobs and many more. On-campus work is limited to 19 hours a week as a student and 40 hours a week on breaks. As with work study, EWU employers are often more willing to work around test dates or busy class days than an off-campus employer is.

Off-Campus Work

Off-campus work can include any work off-campus! I have known students who worked in pizza delivery, grocery outlets, and fast food restaurants. Anyone in and out of the college can apply, which can make jobs more competitive than on-campus work. EWU officially recommends that students work no more than 20 hours a week when enrolled as a full time student (but you can work over 20 hours off-campus). While employers are often willing to work around a schedule, your hours will likely not be as flexible off campus as they would be on campus. You might have a test or project day that your boss isn’t willing to let you take off.

Okay, what should I choose?

When looking at college work, apply to positions that will help your resume later. Experience as a Geology TA would be fantastic for geology students, and web design work would be excellent for design students. If those aren’t available or if your resume needs a little work, finding work with dining services is always a good option. If you can afford to work fewer than 20 hours a week, do so. While you might not have as much money in the short term, your grades, social life, and college experience will pay off in many ways.

Effective note taking

10/25/2017 by afuller Leave a Comment

Students smiling and taking notes in a classroom setting

One thing that students seem to be worried about (I’m a perfect example of this) is note taking. How should I take notes to ensure I understand the material completely? Students want to find the best way to fit our social life and time off around college and work. Although effective work and cutting corners both give us more time to ourselves, working effectively will give you more time and prevent the issues that cutting corners presents.

That’s where note-taking comes into play. Many websites offer different pathways to note taking that can be effective for different people, but no one method works best for everyone. Taking effective notes can range from writing down key words to drawing out a chart. The biggest part of note taking is whether you’re taking notes and actively listening to the professor.

Note: If taking notes on paper, leave some space on the page between lines or off to the side. Future you will be happy when you go back through and add something from a textbook.

Let’s talk about outlines for a moment…

Students who write outlines get better grades and do less work than students who didn’t write outlines. Students who spend half an hour writing an outline end up cutting out the time required for a full draft of the paper. That’s because outlines function as guideposts. Students who work to make an outline know what they are going to talk about beforehand and don’t divert from their topic.

…And bring it back to note taking.

Note taking also works as a guidepost. You put down information that will likely be on the exam, point out important details and dates, and create a path for your study time. What’s more amazing is that writing down information is very effective for memory. Not only will you sett up a guidepost by taking notes, you cut out brush and build a road to success.

That’s the weird thing about note taking. When you spend time writing notes in class you save time later that you would have spent trying to find that one date your professor mentioned. One hour in class taking notes is worth two or even three hours in class not taking notes.

We’ve got the notes down, so what’s next? Look through the notes throughout the quarter to refresh your memory. If you leave spaces between lines you can fill in those spaces with questions to ask about the assignment or notes from the book. Once you go over that information a few times you’ll be better prepared for exams and essays.

Employment FAQ: your guide to landing a great student job

10/06/2017 by afuller Leave a Comment

Worried about finding a job to make ends meet while you're in college? Money exists on campus if you know where to look for it. I went ahead and talked to the folks over at Student Employment to figure out what students can expect from employment at EWU. I also did a little digging and found some current jobs available even in the second week of school!

When and how should I apply?

Jobs at Eastern become available through Handshake, a website designed for students to find work in and out of college. Right after summer quarter is the perfect time to start looking for jobs, as EWU employers will post jobs mid-August. Once you fill out your profile you’ll know whether you qualify for jobs: a sidebar has green checks if you meet qualifications and a grey minus sign if you don’t.

What jobs are popular?

The most popular jobs are usually Dining Services and Athletics so apply early to those positions if they interest you. Student Employment recommends you contact the employer over the phone and introduce yourself a couple days after you apply. This can be as simple as “Hello my name is Swoop and I applied to dining services. I wanted to call up and introduce myself and ask a question or two about the job” and then go from there. Good questions might range from “What are you looking for in a worker” to something that wasn’t listed on the post. Stay away from questions involving the pay or your chances of landing the job.

Where should I apply?

As for where you should apply, I recommend applying to multiple jobs, perhaps up to five or even more! Apply to at least one job you don’t think you’re fully qualified for but is on the path you want to take. Even if you don’t have the experience, if you make a good impression with the employer you’ll have an opportunity for the future.

The interview process. Ahh!

One of my biggest hurdles going into college was the interview process. I came to interviews completely unprepared and panicked when I spoke to interviewers. Recently I’ve learned how to get past my anxiety of interviewing, but I could have gotten through much faster with the help of Career Services. You can sign up for an appointment to prepare for mock interviews, get help with your resume and cover letter, or have an adviser review a grad school application resume. It’s completely free for students and alumni and your future self will thank you for it.

You should definitely do this. Really. Students who go to Career Services are more likely to land jobs both in and after college.

Recap

1: Apply to a few jobs through Handshake after summer quarter ends

2: A couple days after you apply, call the employer and introduce yourself

3: Talk to Career Services, meet with an adviser to look over your resume, and set up a mock interview

4: Do your interview and ace it!

5: Profit (see, no ??? in this one)

Five tips for surviving your first (and second) week of school

10/02/2017 by afuller Leave a Comment

I graduated high school with the assumption that college would be stricter and more difficult than anything I had ever faced. I brought along my backpack with all the books for the quarter, about twenty assorted pens and pencils, and enough paper to write a novel.

I used none of that my first day. Instead, we got a syllabus with some expectations for the quarter, maybe a little homework, and often times (especially in smaller classes) we introduced ourselves to the class.

I ended the first week feeling pretty confident in my ability to get through the class. Perhaps I was a little too confident.

By the time the second week starts up, the snooze button on my phone became a huge temptation. Classes were definitely fun but hey, so is sleep.

I end up going to class on time. Because I show up, I have info on the tests that might not be in the book, my homework turned in, and I’ve built rapport with the professor by contributing to class.

First Week

My humorous advice for the first day, especially for shy people? Write down a movie and a book you enjoyed and keep it on you. I can’t remember how many times I’ve forgotten what my favorite book is the first day of class. You don’t usually need to get your books on the first day as long as you can get them before your first assignment is due. If the bookstore is packed the first day, wake up a little early and stop by the next day when it opens.

The first week is usually a good time to explore. Are there any secrets around campus? What are the different places to get dinner? The first week might be a great time to visit EPIC for some outdoor adventures.

Got your homework done for the week? Great! College homework can be more challenging than high school work, but it’s usually a lot more fun too. I’m interested in writing and design, and I’ve done projects ranging from writing short stories to designing lightbulb packaging and booklets.

Second Week

Week two can catch people buy surprise if they aren’t prepared. One myth I hear from parents, high school teachers, and other freshmen is that classes aren’t “mandatory”. I had a CPLA class where we learned tricks in class I wouldn’t have realized otherwise. If I hadn’t shown up I wouldn’t have passed the tests and I would have to retake the class!

Now that you’ve done your homework and attended class, it’s a good idea to build rapport with your class and teachers. Many classes have required group work. It’s great to already have a few classmates you’re comfortable working with.

A brief note—while you might be tempted to work with close friends that already know, make sure you’re working with people you can be certain will help your group succeed as a team!

Showing your professor that you’re interested in learning will help in the long run. Professors are people too, and they want to know they’re doing a good job at generating interest. Once you get on good terms with your professor to start out, you’ll find it easier to communicate with them outside of class.

The first classes that were inside my major was initially a little scary. I ended up in a writing class with nobody I knew. I asked my teacher questions through email and asked a few questions in person. By the end of the quarter my teacher wasn’t just another professor, she was a friend and someone willing to work with me towards my goals.

Recap

1: Write down your favorite book, movie, and a hobby before your first day.

2: Explore campus a bit and see what you can find early on. You might be too busy to explore later!

3: Finish homework.

4: Show up to class.

5: Take part in class.

These tips might sound a little basic … because they are! Here’s a little secret:

A couple years ago I was working in an early design class with some absolutely amazing students, but somehow I had a higher grade. Their work looked professional, but I was still struggling to master Photoshop despite intense effort. I remember asking my professor, “Everyone else has fantastic designs, and I feel like I’m falling behind. How are my grades higher?” My professor smiled at me and said, “It’s because you’re the one doing the homework.”

That’s such a weird secret isn’t it? Doing the work is the difference between just going to college and being academically successful.

Admitted Student Day: The Things You Missed About Admissions

05/31/2014 by cbrazell Leave a Comment

You can become an Eagle today!! Apply now!

In April, EWU hosted one of the largest admissions events in over 10 years, Admitted Student Day. We filled the two largest auditoriums on campus, nearly filled a third, and an estimated 1,000 people took part in the day-long event.

For those students looking to make their college decision, the day provided more than just information. Dr. Tony Flynn, a hilarious guest speaker and professor of English who teaches 20th century British and American literature, started the day off with the number one thing you needed to know about be successful in college. (Hint: it’s easier than you think. Send us an email if you’re still curious.)

Most of the day was filled with sessions which covered dozens of topics including financial aid, admissions, jobs after college, and more. Students also had the chance to attend academic fairs, to speak with department counselors, to devour delicious food, and to tour residence halls. To top it off, we had wonderful weather!

So how can apply or confirm if I missed Admitted Student Day?

There are two things you’ll need to do.

First, you should visit campus. I’m an EWU student worker in the Visitor Center, and I know that visiting campus matters whether you’re looking at EWU or anywhere else. In fact, I don’t think you can pick the right campus without visiting it first. If you missed Admitted Student Day, or if you’re planning for fall 2015, you need to take a tour.

Second, it means it’s time to take your next steps toward confirming to college.

At EWU, there are eight steps in the enrollment process after you’ve been admitted. You may already be a couple steps in, or maybe you are starting at step one, but either way, here is a link to our enrollment guide.

Let me break down some of the key steps.

If you haven’t applied yet, scroll down to the last paragraph and go from there!

The most important step of all, confirm to EWU!
Once that’s done, the next step is to confirm your housing plans. Here’s a link to our Housing and Residential Life page to answer any questions you may have. (You’ll need your official university email for this.)
Next, we talk financial aid. You may have already received your financial aid package, but if you haven’t, keep your eyes peeled and check your EagleNET account. Financial aid might seem like scary stuff, but if you have any questions about how the financial aid process works, our Financial Aid Office will be more than happy to help.
Finally, if you’ve confirmed EWU, confirmed housing, and confirmed your financial aid package, the next step is to sign up for firstStep. A summer academic orientation event, firstStep is your opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus and to register for classes.

Now you may be asking, what if I’ve missed all these deadlines, or have yet to apply to college, but I finally decided I want to go to a four-year university? Don’t worry. Don’t stress. You can still apply now for fall, and we’d be more than happy to walk you through those steps as well. Contact our Admissions Office for more information. It’s never too late to start something big!

College fit: it's about you

01/25/2012 by jlittleton1 Leave a Comment

If you’re in the middle of your college search, you probably have one huge question: “Out of all the thousands of colleges in the world, which one is the best fit for me?”

Traditionally, our society emphasizes two approaches to answering this question. One is the “true love” approach: there’s one school out there that’s going to be perfect for you. All you have to do is find that one school, and suddenly you’ll know that’s where you’re supposed to be. Stars will streak across the sky and purple glitter will rain from giant glitter clouds, and perhaps a choir will burst into song. You can’t miss the signs.

Of course, some of you probably have experience with the second approach, which is a bit like an arranged marriage: 15 years ago, before you’d even had your first nap time in kindergarten, someone picked your college for you. Sweatshirts. Water bottles. Maybe even a tattoo. Even if your situation isn’t this extreme, chances are you know someone who wants you to attend a particular school.

Both approaches have flaws. For instance, the “true love” approach is just like true love in romantic comedies: if you want to be happy in the long term, your true love needs to last. Consider this: that school that has you infatuated right now? It costs twice as much as another school you like, and that could mean a lifetime of debt. That school that seems too good to be true? Students there take classes taught by assistants, not by professors. Will you still be in love when the hard part of the relationship begins?

The arranged marriage approach has a serious flaw, too: it might not be your choice. After all, you’re the one who has to take the classes, live in the residence hall and talk to the professors. You’re the one who will spend four years or more in the college community. So is your college making you happy, or is it making the people you know happy?

All this comes down to one big point that should be your first step in any discussion about college fit: you need to decide who you are and what makes you tick before you decide which school is best for you.

What makes you truly happy?
What’s your learning style?
What classes do you love? What classes do you hate?
Your favorite teacher: what makes that teacher special?
What activities and hobbies define you?
What does “value” mean to you?

Because here’s the truth: you can have fun at almost any college. You’ll meet amazing, brilliant people everywhere in the world. But if you’re choosing a school that emphasizes research when you really want close mentorships with your professors, you’re setting yourself up for heartache. If you need an internship to help land your dream job but you choose a school that isn’t close to a large city, you’re making your dream harder to achieve.

In the end, choosing a college isn’t always about the college. It’s about discovering who you are, determining what you want to do after college and finding a place that helps you make it happen.