What Comets need to know about campus work

UTD offers a variety of campus jobs that allow students to work during the semester. Positions for students of all skill levels and majors offer opportunities to earn while working on campus

Although the Office of Student Employment is committed to helping students find jobs near the end of their degree through programs such as Federal Work-Study and application assistance, students say little attention is paid to readily available on-campus jobs. Here are the many career opportunities offered to UTD students.

For students looking to earn extra money, one option is the Comet Pi restaurant. Comet Pi, a pizzeria outside the dining hall, serves hundreds of students a day and offers food such as pizzas, pastas and snacks.

“It’s an easy job,” said new Comet Pi employee Aniyah Singleton. “The work itself is not very demanding, but it is still motivating to have to deal with so many students coming in and out all the time.”

All employees, regardless of their position, help with cooking, stock-keeping and cash operations. Managing large waves of customers can be overwhelming and difficult. “Everyone is very nice here, but you really have to learn quickly [in order to] don’t fall behind,” said the singleton.

Comet Pi compensation starts at $14.50 an hour, with salaries increasing based on experience. The job offers flexible hours and requires no prior work experience to get started. Applications are available through Handshake.

Another option for students with no prior work experience is employment in the athletic department, which hires students to help out during sporting events. Duties may include collecting tickets, work permits, recording statistics or mopping courts during games.

Freshman Caitlin Ochuwa, a student worker in the athletics office, described the role as less stressful. “It’s just a little bit of extra money,” Ochuwa said. “Especially when a home game is scheduled, you just try to take the time you want there.”

Student athletic employees are not required to work a set schedule and can choose how many hours they want to work that week. “Just know the rules and lead with your feet,” Ochuwa said.

Athletic jobs start at $10 an hour and offer a flexible schedule and a wide range of responsibilities. Ochuwa advises students to apply in advance through Handshake.

Other competitive features include peer mentor positions. This role is highly sought after because of benefits such as free housing, a meal plan and a start-up fee of $175. However, the university requires all PAs to be at least sophomores.

Peer advisors help new students through their first year of college by recommending careers and providing support.

Divine Ekuma, peer counselor at Andromeda Hall, explains the role.

“[Essentially] your job is to talk to your citizens and listen to what they say.” But I don’t see it as a job because I love my citizens.

Peer counselors are expected to work the desk for 2 1/2 hours each week, where they will answer questions in the reception area and make sure packages delivered to residents are received, be on call every week and attend weekly meetings.

“It sounds like a lot, but if you like talking to people, go for it,” Ekuma said. “Really, be yourself and use your time well because your classes start to get tough around your sophomore year.”

He said that the section also provides professional benefits. Ekuma said: “The best part is making connections and learning from people older and younger than you. “If you need a letter of recommendation, you can do it in a week; you can talk to everyone from your dorm and it makes you better in society.”

For undergraduate and graduate students interested in academics, research assistantships. Intended for advanced, master’s and Ph.D. students, applicants have the opportunity to be supported by a professor and help with their research. UTD’s prestigious programs in various schools make this a great opportunity to do popular research on your resume.

“I worked in industry, but I didn’t learn much,” Ph.D. student Sameer Dhole said. “You always have to rely on someone who knows more than you and you can’t take care of yourself.” Research gives students the opportunity to delve into topics they care about and make a living while at it. “I wanted to get that ability to do my own thing,” Dhole said.

However, doing research is hard work. Dhole said: “I was deprived of sleep, exercise and even food on some days.

Research is a competitive field with students from all over the world seeking funding. UTD researchers have varying salaries, but can expect about $2,100 per semester, 30 to 35 hour work weeks and lots of testing and writing.

“If you have a professor and you like their teaching, don’t hesitate to contact them. There’s a good chance they have open positions, especially now,” said Dhole.

Regardless of schedule, experience level or interests, students say jobs at UTD offer opportunities to earn money, gain experience and make connections.

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