By Samantha Pearson
Staff Writer
With many students holding key positions, the Wingate University campus relies heavily on the 30 percent of undergraduates who hold jobs on campus.
Students at Wingate are an essential part of the university’s functioning, having jobs that keep the university running efficiently while allowing students to gain hands-on experience in various fields. Whether they are working in administrative offices, providing services or an internship under a specific department, students at Wingate are integral to ensuring the university’s success.
“I feel like I am an active part of the Wingate community,” said Faith Riley, a sophomore Biology major from New Castle, Del. “I feel that I play a key role in servicing people every day, whether that be making sure that they get their packages [at PawPost] or recording games [within the athletic department] for friends and family back home. Since working at Wingate University I have felt a sense of community and belonging and have gained skills in technology, communication and organization—having to balance my academics with my shifts.”
The need for student workers is diverse, with opportunities varying from resident assistants (RAs) in the dorms, to working at Starbucks, to the campus post office (PawPost), to staffing athletic events and internships within different academic departments. Each role is vital for the operation of a thriving campus community, especially at a small private school like Wingate.
Student workers are employed across many areas of functioning, but some roles are especially important. Residential assistants are required to provide academic and social support to students who live in their residence hall and help them establish a fit and connection within the university campus. For many, working in residence life teaches them valuable skills like teamwork, communication, responsibility and being able to work with different types of personalities.
“Working as an RA has been a challenging and rewarding experience,” said Hannah Colavita-Jones, a junior Biology major from Newfield, N.J., who works as an RA at Cannon North residence hall. “This experience has given me a chance to really grow and work on building interpersonal relationships. It not only makes me more equipped to move into the workplace, but also helps in everyday life when having to create relationships elsewhere. I have gained so many different types of communication skills. Being an RA, you have to build relationships and communicate with so many different types of people—not only residents, but also staff. I feel that it is pivotal to learn these different types of communication skills to thrive in life.”
The reach of student employees extends beyond residence life. At the campus post office, for example, student workers assist faculty and staff to ensure timely mail delivery, manage packages and assist with student needs alongside their busy schedules.
“Not only is it a necessity for student employment, but it’s very nice for me to get to know and engage with the students on campus and be a mentor for them,” said PawPost Manager Wendy Oliver. “I have a big heart, so being able have that relationship with my students and a big connection is something I hold close to my heart.”
While many students work a campus job for the paycheck, these on-campus positions provide valuable career-building experiences that will serve them long after they graduate.
Student workers also benefit from networking opportunities with faculty and staff, connections that can lead to internships, recommendations and even job offers after graduation.
“I have found working for athletic communications beneficial,” said Alex Bevan-Xenelis, a sophomore Communication major from Quakertown, Pa., who works for the school’s athletic department. “My [concentration] is sports media and I want to work in sports broadcasting in the near future, so working for athletics communications allows me to gain insight into sports broadcasting and is an opportunity to see if this is the career path I will enjoy and want to end up taking and, if so, it will prepare for when I take an internship.”
Wingate offers internships within various academic departments to give students experience in the field they desire to go into after college. This benefits the department and the student. The student supports the department’s workload while the student is being mentored and gaining practical knowledge.
What makes this system truly unique is how it fosters a culture of innovation and problem-solving through community. The students who live on campus and rely on the college for resources help the staff and faculty create a comfortable, enjoyable and helpful environment.
“Student employment is an essential component to Wingate University,” said Emily Burke, Wingate’s director of student employment. “Many key campus services rely on student workers—from individual offices, the library, campus events and much more. Student employment helps the campus community, staff and faculty understand the student perspective in a unique way and creates an avenue for Wingate to be responsive to student needs. Without student employees, Wingate would find it difficult to maintain the personalized, community-focused environment that makes it unique.”
As students manage residence halls, the post office, Starbucks and internships, they are learning technical skills and developing an entrepreneurial mindset, building leadership qualities that will benefit them in whatever career they choose to pursue.
Wingate Triangle 