The Career Center hosted a part-time job fair on Wednesday at the Illini Union from 1-4 p.m., where students spoke with potential employers about local part-time jobs.
While walking around the bustling room, students could find University-affiliated employers like Campus Recreation facilities and Research Park. Local employers, such as the Champaign Public Library and ESS Clean, were present.
At around 12:50 p.m., the line for the fair extended the full length of the west and north corridors of the building, with University organizers requiring online check-in via Handshake before stamping students’ hands upon entry.
Inside the fair, employers chatted with attendees about career opportunities, with some providing pamphlets and snacks. Students shared a few different reasons for attending the fair, including needing a side income, gaining professional experience and becoming more involved at the University.
“I really just want to get involved within the campus … and also just make a little money on the side as well,” said Cassandra Campos, sophomore in LAS.
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Campos shared that she hopes to get a job at Research Park, a nearby hub for technological innovation for both corporate and development operations.
“Research Park grabs my attention, because I just feel like it’s filled with so many opportunities,” Campos said. “I’m studying psychology, so it’s definitely very research-heavy. So, I just want to gain that experience for future references or experiences.”
The most recent data from the Federal National Center for Education Statistics found that in 2020, 40% of full-time students were employed in the US, a slight decline from a previous study conducted in 2015.
“I just want to get a better look into what kind of part-time jobs there are, because I really need one,” said Zoey VonDrehle, sophomore in ACES. “I feel like having some sort of income — even if it’s eight to ten hours a week — while you’re at school is pretty good.”
VonDrehle said in addition to bringing a side income, a job could allow her to have more experience in studying animal science.
“I’m definitely trying to look for something that would be working with animals,” VonDrehle said. “This is my first career fair, so it’s really cool to see a bunch of people here doing their thing, and seeing all the booths that (career services has) to help students get a job.”
One attendee noted a pattern in her friend group: As college went on, they became more inclined to find a job.
“I know a lot of people, especially first-years, are more willing to let go regarding jobs and RSOs,” said Aryanna Gloria, sophomore in LAS. “(Freshmen) just kind of want to take a break, take in the experience of college … They just want to focus on their classes and their school and their major.”
“I’m already in one (RSO), and I’d like to balance out my time with a job as well, because I’m living in an apartment currently … and apartment living, expenses — all that adds up,” Gloria said. “It would be nice to have some extra money on the side.”
Career Services is hosting a series of employment fairs this month, and more information can be found on the University website.
