National Student Employment Week: The Importance of Student Employment

Every year, Washington State University celebrates National Student Employment Week to recognize and appreciate the valuable service of student employees and professionals in the student employment field. Student employees play an important role in our university and deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication

Washington State University is a great university known for academic excellence, research contributions, and community engagement.

Student employment has many benefits, not just for individual students, but for the entire university community.

Here are some reasons why student employment is so important to Washington State University:

  1. Financial Support: Many students rely on student employment as part of their financial aid package. On-campus work provides a dependable source of income that can help pay for living expenses, tuition, and other college costs. For some students, student employment is what makes the difference between attending college or not.
  2. Professional Development: Working as a student employee provides students with valuable skills and experience that they can use in their future careers. Students gain real-world experience in areas such as customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This experience can help students stand out in a competitive job market after graduation.
  3. Enhances the Campus Community: Student employment contributes to a vibrant and engaged campus community. It provides opportunities for students to get involved in various departments and activities, build relationships with staff and faculty, and develop a sense of pride and ownership in their university.
  4. Improves Retention and Graduation Rates: Studies show that student employment can help improve student retention and graduation rates. By providing financial support and professional development opportunities, student employment can help keep students engaged and motivated to succeed in their academic pursuits.
  5. Increases Diversity and Inclusion: Student employment opportunities help create a more inclusive environment that benefits all students, regardless of their background or financial situation.

We recognize the importance of student employment to the university community.

The university is committed to providing student employees with meaningful work experiences, professional development opportunities, and a supportive community that helps them succeed both in and outside the classroom.

So, the next time you see a student employee on campus, take a moment to appreciate their contributions to the university community. They are an essential part of what makes Washington State University such a unique and special place.

By Ricky Thai
Ricky Thai Student Employment Coordinator