By: Dat T. Do
Although a part-time job brings a lot benefits, it is hard for international students to become part-time workers. A part-time job on the campus is the only chance for any international student who is looking for work in his free time. However, for most of them, working on campus is almost impossible.
It seems a part-time job is very important for international students, with most students who are working or looking for part-time jobs citing several convincing reasons. “Money is the most important concern!” Jenny, an international student from China evaluated. Another student came from Vietnam explained: “Income from a part-time job is not a large amount of money, but it can help me not to ask my parents for money to buy shirts, or pay for lunch. Since I have my own income, I can pay for myself”. In addition, many students in campus agreed that a part-time job does not only bring them income, but also give them a chance to gain experience. Thao Do, a Vietnamese student who is studying business major argued: “[During] spring quarter of 2010, I was the cashier in the cafeteria. That was a wonderful job for me. I had studied how a business was running. Also, my communication skill was improved a lot”.
The most difficult that international students have to face is the immigration law of the United States. One of the first things which advisers told every international student when he began his study in college is that his F1 Visa does not allow him to work off campus. It means if anyone had a part time job out side campus, it is illegal. The drawback from this action is that he would be sent back to his country and never be accepted to come back U.S again.
Since working on campus is the only chance for international students to earn money and experience, they have to compete with one other to get a chance. Nam, a senior student, who has been waiting for a chance to work in SCCC campus, shared his points: “There are hundreds of people want to take a job on the campus, while there are around fifty part-time jobs available. If you could work in our campus, you should be so lucky!” Nam also mentioned he has been waiting for around one year since he turned his form to office, yet no one has called him for the interview, while a freshman just got accepted to work in the campus just last week. “It is unfair for me and many students!” he said. His friend, Cuong explained: “If you do not know anyone who is working in the international student office, stop dreaming for a part-time job in campus…”
What is the opinion of students who are having a part-time job in SCCC campus? Phu Vo, a chemistry tutor expressed his statement: “Taking a part time job in our campus is difficult, but no one can help you even though he was the officer! Being a chemistry tutor, I had to prove that I have enough ability to take place. My transcript has been examined carefully too.” Ngo, the students worked in cafeteria last quarter, agreed that she had to wait for a very long time to get a job. The reason is cafeteria is full of workers so she needed to wait for someone left his position. Then, she could replace her. “We were chosen to work in the campus because our characteristics are appropriate for the positions” DeukCho a Korean student who is working in SCCC gym asserted. He continued: “I agree that there are too many people want to take a part-time job in our campus. Thus, everyone has to try his best! I think ten percents is luck, ninety percent is the quality of each student.”
As a manager of cafeteria, Mr. Ly has shared his consideration of hiring a part-time worker. “Yes, there are around two to three hundred students who want to work part-time in cafeteria each quarter. However, I can only hire ten of them.” He also pointed out some qualities of students that he cared most. “Students’ schedule is the first concern!” When Ly wants to hire a part-time worker, he will look at their schedule in order to make sure that there is no conflict between the working-time and the students’ class-time. There are too many students who are free after 12 o’clock wile fewer students have free time during 8.am until noon. Students who are available after the noon will have fewer chances to work in cafeteria. The second concern that Ly considers when chooses a part-time worker among applicants is the working experience. “I expect students have some working experience. Thus, it is quicker and easier for me to train them.” Ly argued.
Obviously, it is really hard for international students to work part-time on campus. However, since they figure out the reasons what are challenging them to take part-time jobs in SCCC campus, they may make a chance for themselves.
[Editors Note: Thank you, Dat T. Do, for your insights into this problem for our International Students. I bolded the one line above to point out a common issue we here at the NCC see on campus, in many arenas.]
Tags: Student Voice
I found the editor’s note on this article interesting, but not entirely clear. Could you please elaborate on why the statement was put in bold, and what you mean when you say that this is a common issue that NCC sees on campus?
It seems particularly obvious that the bolded lines imply that the only way to get a job is through a personal relationship with someone who works in the international student office. Preferential treatment. Good ol’ boys network. I’m sure you know the drill.
I understand the implication, but do not agree with the accuracy of the statement. It is easy to say “this is what always happens”, without bringing any proof to back it up. I would like some clarification on “a common issue we here at the NCC see on campus, in many arenas”. When and where?
I too object to insinuations of favoritism. Such charges are common among international students who have little understanding of the needs of campus employers and who come from countries, like China and Vietnam, where corruption is endemic. As noted by Le Ly, whom the article fails to make clear works at NSCC rather than SCCC, availability and work experience are paramount considerations for an employer. It’s unfortunate that job demand is high while supply is low, that international students may experience financial hardship, and that some have an unrealistic idea of their qualifications or unrealistic expectations of their chances, but these are not the fault of the colleges.
And to set the record straight, hiring decisions are made by individual managers, not International Programs.
hello, i see my name in the article,
but i don’t remember participating in any interview like this!
please let me know what is going on
We have attempted to contact Dat T. Do, the Student Writer who authored this article for the NCC. We would like to give the author plenty of time to respond to the comments here. Please keep in mind, it is finals week at SCCC! So, please have patience.
If the author has fabricated a quote, we will either remove the quote and references to it from the article, or remove the article in its entirety.
As for the Editors Note, that was written by me, Gryphon MacThoy, a reporter and editor with the NCC. I stand by my anecdotal assertion, as a student who hears from many other students regarding their feelings and impressions of what it takes to get into certain groups or programs. The idea that “it helps to know someone” isn’t necessarily a bad one, and does not constitute an accusation of wrong doing. (Although I can see how my wording has that feel to it.)
It is a good question, though: Do the decision makers know that some of the students who attempted to join their program feel this way? Other questions follow, of course.
As a voice of the Students at SCCC, the New City Collegian wants to hear from ALL sides of any issue. We seek to provide an open forum. Any SCCC Faculty or Staff is also welcome to write an article, either directly in response to or inspired by any other article we publish. We tend to publish unedited submissions. Any SCCC voice has a place at the NCC.
We look forward to continuing this conversation by publishing further article on the same and related topics, particularly from opposing and questioning view points.
Gryphon MacThoy
Chief of Operations, Reporter, and Cheerleader
New City Collegian