Date of Award

Spring 2016

Degree Type

Capstone - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Advisor

Susan Marine

Abstract

Student-employment is an important aspect of a college student’s experience. According to Kathman and Kathman (2000), students benefit from an on-campus job, as they are able to develop strong interpersonal skills, and develop experience for their resumes (p 176). In this study, I examined the dynamics of a campus center-based student employment program, and the related training program that is administered by a campus operations department. Using a focus group, a 13 item protocol was administered to nine undergraduate student-employees of this department, and an additional two alumni student-employees were interviewed individually. The focus of this research was rooted in improving practice, and enhancing the outcomes of student employees as they transition from student to professional. Through this qualitative study, major findings, included: a correlation between the experience of these positions and increased academic success; the gaining of transferable skills that benefit the student in the job-search, and that employment through this operations office is more agreeable to student-employees than other on-campus student employment, as well as compared with off-campus employment opportunities. Participants in this study identified the hands-on nature of training, and the level of staff bonding done as very influential to their job success. These findings indicated the need for continuation of student employment though this operations office, as well as the need to continually assess, and re-tool the training initiatives to ensure that it retains its inherent benefit.

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