<p>My son’s experience mirrors mathmom’s. While we did not require our kids to work, they had a limited amount of spending money for college. Both boys found on-campus jobs when they felt they needed extra cash, and could handle working. It helped them get organized and build on their previous skill sets. I’m sure it looked good on an internship application, which in turn, looked good on a job application.</p>
<p>As far as the idea that jobs should be reserved for those who need them - which reminds me of that ridiculous 1950’s standard of hiring men over women because “men have a family to support” - there is a system that helps kids with financial need get jobs on campus. It’s called work-study, and often the kids with FA considerations get first crack at the jobs. I think this gives the help where it is needed. To impose a standard outside of the university is discriminatory. I thought we had progressed beyond that.</p>