Across the nation, layoffs and fruitless job searches are all-too-telltale signs of the gloomy economic landscape. And as college students' financial woes increase, it is becoming clear that the economy isn't only affecting their parents.
According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, the economic crisis is forcing students to find new ways to pay for hefty college costs. The article cites a recent survey finding that more than 49 percent of students -- a record proportion -- reported that they will need a job this year to help pay for expenses.
But as the fray of students searching for on-campus jobs grows, they seem to be met with more and more challenges.
Freshman Amira Mattison is one of many students who has had an unsuccessful job search. Mattison tried to use JobX, the official job management site of the Tufts Student Employment Office, but her efforts were to no avail. "I would e-mail the people, and they would either not respond, or they would respond like weeks later [and say] 'Oh, by the way, we filled this, sorry,'" she said.
"JobX is sparse if you're not work-study," freshman Mary Beech added.
But as some students make finding a job a priority, the economy is forcing many businesses on campus to cut down on their hiring. This practice is evident at The Rez, the student-run café in the campus center. "There's kind of more [applications] every year ... and we're actually looking for less and less people because we have less and less money because of the economy," senior and Rez employee Amanda Casale said.
Casale, who also works as a grader for Math 12, has seen the demand for that job grow as well. "I know there [are] a lot more people that have been applying to grade in the last year because they want more money," she said. "That's been really popular."
Another job gaining popularity is Tufts Telefund, which has received more applications this year than ever, according to Telefund student supervisor and senior Eleanor Gonzales. Telefund employees call Tufts alumni, keeping them updated on goings-on at Tufts and encouraging them to donate to the university. Tufts Telefund, which now offers a new flexible schedule for its employees, is currently one of the highest-paying campus jobs, with starting wages recently raised to $11 an hour.
Despite the harsh economic situation, many students seek more than just money from their jobs. Some look to benefit their school or their community, and others just want to ensure that their job isn't going to be a total bore.
"[Telefund employees] want to make their jobs a worthwhile one, so they're helping the university at the same time that they're ... advancing their own financial situation," Gonzales said.
She added that many students at Tufts Telefund enjoy connecting with the larger Tufts community. "[They] maintain that Tufts connection with people in all fifty states, all walks of life," she said.
But sitting on the phone can be grueling, and some students prefer to work in fields of active service.
Freshman Emily Clayton currently works for Jumpstart, a program that pairs up college students with children in the Boston area. "I think for a lot of people it's an opportunity to work with low-income kids and to make a difference in the community while doing your work-study," Clayton said. "It is a sizeable commitment, so you wouldn't just want to do it for the money."
Many on-campus jobs, like those at the Rez, offer students the opportunity to meet students and visitors to Tufts.
"It's an awesome job. You have a relationship with your managers; you meet a ton of people," Casale said. "I talk to people who are visiting the school, so I like to kind of advertise Tufts." She also noted that the cozy coffee-shop atmosphere of the Rez was one of its major draws.
Despite the inevitable setbacks that come with part-time job searches, frustrated seekers should probably not throw in the towel just yet. Many students find jobs in the larger community, and many jobs are found through networking or simply asking around.
Sophomore Hannah Shefsky babysits for families off campus. "My mom went to college in Boston," she said. "She had a bunch of people that she already knew who lived here, so she sent out an e-mail to all of them."
