For students looking to work, there are several job opportunities both at the College and in the city of Lake Forest. According to Melissa Mendoza ’16, some of the main advantages of having an on-campus job are “being engaged with the campus” and working “with other students and faculty members.”
For some, however, working off-campus is a preferable option. Mendoza is a commuter student who works both on and off campus. For her, working off campus as a nanny is convenient, since she is able to work in the city where she resides.
Besides accessibility, Mendoza finds that working off campus is beneficial because it can potentially lead to employment after college. But there are drawbacks to working off campus. “You’ll likely be expected to work full shifts and employers are less flexible with schedules,” she said. “This can be unwanted stress during busy school weeks like finals.”
Local restaurants such as The Grille on Laurel and The Lantern of Lake Forest are currently hiring, and several others continually accept applications. Working on campus is another option for students in search of a job. According to the Lake Forest College Business Office, there are four levels of employment on campus, which are based on experience and skill.
Students without job experience will likely work at either a level one or two position. Working on campus allows students to gain experience and knowledge without many of the disadvantages of off-campus work. According to Yang Choe, a Business Office payroll assistant, one benefit of working on campus is that students can “pay less withholding taxes in comparison with other employers because [the College] does not withhold FICA during the academic year.”
An additional benefit is that on- campus jobs generally tailor an employee’s work hours around class schedules, and employers are more understanding of a student’s time constraints during exams. To find available positions for on-campus work, Choe advises students to “watch your email for communications from the Business Office and look for [a] list of job postings around campus.”
Often, students also may receive word that a professor of their major is searching for a research assistant or faculty assistant. For students looking for on- campus work, Choe suggests that students fill out an I-9 form,which can be completed at the Business Office, look for emails from the Business Office as job vacancies occur, and “respond to email job opportunities in a timely manner in order to ensure job placement.”
It is important when searching for a job, either on campus or in the city of Lake Forest, to consider the benefits of each opportunity. For students that are contemplating working, Mendoza suggests that students “take the time to look at all your options, and remember to manage your time wisely.” Students who are looking for available positions in the city of Lake Forest can also visit the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce website, www.lflbchamber.com, for business listings.
