Hello all! So for my work study job I was hoping to get something that would be somewhat related to my field (although I knew it would be difficult because the majority of the jobs on-campus don’t really have anything to do with health care). I am going to be a first year student, and the only position that is sort of related to health care that I qualify for is a position dealing with environmental health and safety (job description says that I will be conducting safety inspections and assisting with developing/maintaining health/safety programs that employees must follow and other things related to health/safety like air quality evaluations/industrial hygiene investigations). It pays 25 cents more per hour than the other office jobs I was looking at. And I actually do have an interest in the environment! However, I know a nursing schedule is extremely demanding, and I know that this job isn’t going to be crazy difficult, but by the description I am assuming that it requires more from its workers than the office jobs. So what I am trying to ask is whether or not it would be a good idea to apply? Or is it better to leave that job to a student who is actually majoring in environmental sciences? Would it be a good learning experience that I could use to strengthen my resume? Thanks everyone!
Considering this is a work-study job opportunity rather than a regular job, I definitely don’t think you’re expected to pick something directly connected to your major or intended career path. Whether or not it will strengthen a resume probably depends on the specific things you do while you’re working there, but (correct me if I’m wrong) I believe the main benefit you’ll receive from a work-study opportunity is a decrease in student loan debt. Fortunately there is also the fact that it allows you to explore something else you are interested in outside your major. If you apply, I would say go in expecting to only receive these two benefits and hopefully you will still gain experiences you could highlight in your resume. But I definitely don’t believe you have any responsibility to leave this position to people in the environmental field unless stated in the job listing (which I doubt). If you were expected to only apply to work study opportunities related to your major, they would have one available for nursing. And if they do want an environmental science major and one applies, I’m sure they’ll simply hire that person instead. Overall, I would recommend applying.
The only issue I do see with applying is that you stated that it requires more from you (I’m assuming you meant time-wise) and you stated your nursing schedule is quite hectic. If they offer you an interview, bring up this concern with the interviewer and see if there would be any flexibility with the schedule. If the demand is too much for you, you can always politely decline the offer