Finding employment on campus can be difficult for any incoming freshman. Knowing where to go or who to talk to can seem intimidating when everything around you seems overwhelming.

For some freshmen, and even sophomores, there is often little substance in their résumés, and they might have no interviewing experience. However, local jobs, especially those on campus, can be very welcoming to the new kids on the block.

Gale Gower, MSU's assistant director of student employment, encourages students to log on to SpartanTrak.com. The Web site, which can be accessed through MSU's Career Services Network, gives a listing of all available positions for students on and off campus, and even in other states.

"SpartanTrak has a lot of job applications and postings, but there are also other places they can go through, like Housing and Food (Services), Breslin Center or the library," Gower said.

More than 17,000 students are employed by the university to work in every department on campus.

Chelsea Koach, a hospitality business junior and desk receptionist in Campbell Hall, said she has preferred working on campus because of her living situation.

"I live in the dorms," said Koach, who has worked the desk for three years. "A desk job is better than a cafeteria job, and campus jobs are really flexible. I can do my homework and stuff, and (off-campus jobs) may not be as flexible."

Students who work on campus can average anywhere from 10-15 hours a week, Gower said. Not only do students have a source of income, but they get the chance to learn the campus, meet more people and build work experience.

"A lot of students say they don't want to work in the cafeteria," Gower said. "But in the middle of winter, you don't have to go through the snow and sleet to get to your job. It pays just as well as anywhere on campus."

However, working on campus isn't everyone's desire. For some students, such as political theory and constitutional democracy sophomore Christina McNeal, working off campus can mean avoiding constant contact with the university.

"I didn't see any jobs on campus that I wanted," said McNeal, an employee at American Apparel, 115 E. Grand River Ave. "It's nice not to be affiliated with the university constantly."

Working for American Apparel also has given apparel and textile design sophomore J.T. McPartlin the opportunity to focus on his career.

"This store is something I'm more interested in than cooking for 500 people," McPartlin said. "I see more of the community, rather than being on campus. I don't feel as confined."

The City of East Lansing's Web site, cityofeastlansing.com, also posts jobs for which students can apply.

"Typically, we don't seek an intern," said Sally Schepis, compensation and benefits manager for the city's Human Resources department. "Most of the time, interns or students come to us."

The city employs students to intern in communication, courts, police, art festivals and planning departments, Schepis said.

"A lot of students think they're just going to study the whole time," Gower said. "There's a lot of time really left over. (MSU) never runs out of jobs, and certainly there's lots of opportunities to advance once students get started."