Soooo, the debate on whether or not students should while in college is HUGE. I know half of you are applauding this post and the other half think this is cray.
For some college girls, working in college is a necessity; for others it’s simply a desire, and for some it is the last thing they want to do.
Okay, so let’s get real here. I am such an entrepreneur. If I’m not working on something, I will literally lose my mind. Besides school, work has always been a priority (thanks to my parents). It feels sooooo good to have your own money and to be able to buy whatever you want, whenever you want, because you worked your ass off for it.
I know some of you may argue this but every college girl should be working. Sorry not sorry.
Research shows that “students who work a modest number of hours per week (10-15 hours) are more likely than other students- even students who do not work at all- to persist and earn degrees.”
Before you think I’m cray, I’m going to give you 5 reasons why every college girl should be working.
1. Experience:
I can’t stress this enough. Experience is sooo important in today’s world. Whatever career path you are interested in, there are thousands of people wanting to do the same exact thing. Experience is one of the things that will set you apart from everyone else.
Experience shows you are driven. It shows you have passion, interest, and motivation.
Without experience how in the hell are you going to figure out what you like and don’t like? Most college students (aka 99%) have zero clue as to what they want to do with their life.
News flash: Not having any experience is just going to hold you back. Put yourself out there.
A couple of years ago I worked in a restaurant. The WORST experience of my life. It was loud. It smelled. And everyone was rude. But guess what? I did it. Without having that experience I would have never known the restaurant business wasn’t for me.
Last but not least, networking!!! Experience leads to networking. In today’s society, who you know is key. Always make sure you have good contacts and maintain good relationships with people!
2. Financial Independence:
Nothing beats the feeling of being able to buy something you want with your hard-earned money. Learning how to manage your money is very important.
Pretty much all college students graduate with debt. That said, being able to save money and put it towards your student loans is HUGE.
3. Time management:
Having to balance school and work teaches the importance of prioritizing responsibilities and managing time. By the time you graduate, you will be totally familiar with balancing work and your personal life.
4. Learn the value of hard work:
Being a hard worker is admired and respected, especially in today’s society. Working in college will allow you to learn the value of working hard for what you want. Set goals for yourself and work your butt off until you’ve crossed them off your list.
5. Build character:
Character is built from the habits and lessons we have learned. Someone once said, “Working does build character in that we learn to practice: responsibility, accountability, reliability, loyalty, courtesy, obedience, self reliance, and hopefully, a good work ethic. When we are alone, we ARE what we have learned to be” So damn true! That said, when it comes to a job, we are still responsible, courteous citizens because those are the lessons we have learned, and the rules that we have accepted as our own. “A person who has not worked, has not been held accountable, and who has not worked as part of a team doesn’t have the same character traits”
Seriously ladies, say goodbye to the BROKE COLLEGE GIRL STIGMA.
Be the girl in college who can balance school and work. Be the girl in college who can get a new pair of shoes for a night out because she worked her ass off for them. Most importantly, be the girl who graduates college with money saved and little to no debt.
Are you a college babe working? We want to hear your story!
xxx B
