With the fall semester in full swing at Stony Brook University, there is a widespread feeling of tension among students. It is not only the stress of academics that burdens the minds of scholars, but also a highly-competitive job scene on campus. With very few entry-level positions available and a continuously increasing population of students, finding on-campus employment is difficult for many Seawolves.
A Tightening Job Landscape
Historically, on-campus jobs at Stony Brook have been opportunities for students to cover the rising costs of tuition and simultaneously gain invaluable work experience. Everything from assistant positions in libraries to working as a laboratory aid has traditionally acted as a lifeline for students trying to balance their academic pursuits with financial needs. However, the current landscape has painted a stark picture: supply and demand are truly at odds.
While the number of students looking for work grows, the amount of positions have not increased. Added to that imbalance are economic pressures that push more students to seek work opportunities, creating a storm of competition. During the 2015-16 academic year, 31% of the United States undergraduate population lived in poverty — up from 21% 20 years prior. To make matters worse, in 2016, the percentage of middle-income students who took out loans to finance college expenses was similar to that of students living in poverty — 39% compared to 38%, respectively. What does that produce? A job market in which any opening is snatched up quicker than free pizza at a campus event.
The Student Struggle
The reverberations of this tightened job market are just about endless for so many students. Students who relied on on-campus jobs for their livelihood or to supplement their financial aid packages are finding themselves in precarious situations. Notably, 78% of full-time freshmen receive some form of financial aid. The desperation to find a job is made even more stressful by the challenge of fitting it into already-packed class schedules and other academic commitments, such as assignments, group projects and extracurricular activities like clubs or community service.
The increased competition has raised the qualifications needed for many positions. Although described as entry-level, most positions require some skills or past experience — a catch-22 where students need experience to gain experience. For freshmen and transfer students still getting accustomed to campus life, this proves quite difficult.
Beyond the Paycheck
But the implications of this job shortage run far beyond immediate questions of specific financial hardships. On-campus jobs have been one of the founding tenets of career development at Stony Brook. Included with these positions are opportunities for students to develop professional skills, network within the University and gain relevant experience in their chosen field.
As these opportunities become scarcer, we risk slowing the professional growth of our student body. Students who cannot find a job on campus may have to pursue an off-campus option, which often leads to a disconnect between students and the campus community, and raises complications with academic schedules. A study by Gary Pike, George Kuh and Ryan Massa-McKinley (2008) found that students who worked off-campus were also less engaged in educationally purposeful activities and self-reported lower grades than students working on campus. The researchers suggest that off-campus employment limits students’ opportunities to engage in campus activities and interact with faculty and peers. This may impede their academic and social integration into college life.
Unique Challenges Faced by International Students
While all students likely find the job market on campus competitive, there are additional complexities for international students. For many, finding an on-campus job is not only needed to assist with financial support, but it is also a major step toward getting a Social Security Number (SSN), which is required for various aspects of life, including opening telephone and utility accounts or obtaining a credit card in the U.S.
The only problem is that the SSN itself is required for most on-campus positions for payroll purposes, yet students need a job to get an SSN. This circular problem greatly reduces job opportunities for international students, especially in the beginning of their academic and professional journeys.
The overall process of vetting an international student for employment is burdensome. The extra steps taken for compliance and security reasons often put the international applicants at a disadvantage in the fast world of job placement. International students must obtain work authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which requires approval from a designated school official and sometimes U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These barriers delay the start of employment and potentially deter some employers from hiring international students.
The Way Forward
While this situation is challenging, it is not impossible. First, the University should study ways to increase the number of job opportunities. This can be achieved by developing new positions to address emerging campus needs through partnerships with local businesses. The University could offer rental spaces on campus for local businesses to hire students or explore student-run initiatives where space could be allotted for students to run their own campus-based businesses or services.
It would also be beneficial if the Career Center organized more focused workshops and resources to train students in networking, relationship-building and referral-based hiring. These skills are in high demand for both on-campus and off-campus jobs. Currently, platforms such as Handshake seem ineffective due to their impersonal, mass-application approach. The heavy focus on a high volume of job postings can reduce their effectiveness, potentially leading students to think that applying to as many jobs as possible is the key to success instead of practicing more strategic job searches. By enhancing students’ skills through targeted workshops, they can become more competitive candidates, having already honed the necessary skills for their future careers.
A Call to Action
The job market on campus is at a very critical juncture here at Stony Brook. As students, we must raise our concerns and be involved with administration to resolve this issue. Working together will allow both the parties to share their concerns and perspectives on the overall situation, leading to more effective solutions. The University needs to realize that the vital aspect to student success lies in on-campus employment and it should take tangible steps to provide more opportunities.
Together, we can turn this challenge into a chance to further build our campus community and more effectively prepare our students for life well beyond graduation. Let us ensure that every Seawolf — regardless of their background or country of origin — has the opportunity to dive head-first into substantive on-campus work as a valued and integral member of the campus community. Isn’t this what the Stony Brook experience is all about?
