“It was more local, easier to get to and they were accommodating with the hours and working around your actual school schedule,” Casey said.

Casey works four days a week and adjusts his shifts around classes. During quieter periods, he can also complete assignments.

“There's a lot of access for you to do other things like homework and emails, anything of that nature,” Casey said.

Dietetics freshman Jessica Ramirez also chose an on-campus job for its convenience. She works as a student supervisor at Landon dining hall, typically working about 20 hours per week during evening shifts.

“I needed a job that was only night only because I was busy throughout the day,” Ramirez said. “During the morning I like to study and do homework, and I also join the clubs and volunteer.”

Ramirez said paying for tuition was her main reason for seeking employment. Because she does not have a car, working on campus was more practical than commuting to an off-campus position. She initially applied for jobs at Kellogg Center and the MSU bakery, but found their schedules conflicted with her classes.

Working at Landon has also helped Ramirez develop teamwork and leadership skills. She said having supportive coworkers makes the job more enjoyable.

While Casey and Ramirez found campus employment suited their circumstances, other students have turned to off-campus jobs to better fit their needs.

Journalism freshman Hunter Knaus works about 20 hours per week at Panda Express on Grand River Avenue. His responsibilities include preparing food and serving customers.

Knaus uses his earnings to pay for dorm supplies and contribute toward tuition. He also values the relationships he has built with coworkers, particularly at his previous Panda Express location.

“Work sometimes feels like a chore,” Knaus said. “(This) didn't really; it honestly felt like a paid hangout at times.”

Although his manager is flexible, Knaus said work can interfere with plans outside the classroom. He tries to avoid Friday night closing shifts, but has still missed events he wanted to attend because of work.

“I remember I missed a LUCKI concert two months ago because I had to work that night,” Knaus said.

For games and interactive media senior Paul Campbell, an off-campus job became a better financial fit after his previous campus position did not provide enough income.

Campbell previously worked at Breslin Center, helping direct guests and check tickets. He later found a part-time position at Fast Eddie’s Car Wash near Marsh Road and West Saginaw Street.

“Income wasn't coming in fast enough to take care of my necessities,” Campbell said, explaining why he left his previous job while living in an apartment.

At the car wash, Campbell said the supportive management has helped him balance work and school. He communicates his exam schedule to his boss and requests time off when needed.

“It's education first, work second,” Campbell said.

Transportation remains a challenge. Campbell said the car wash is about a 10-minute trip away, but reaching it can be difficult without access to a car or a ride from a coworker because there is no convenient bus stop nearby.

“The only disadvantage about my job now is that if I lose my main form of transportation, aside from my coworkers, I don't necessarily have a backup,” Campbell said.

The four students’ experiences show how employment choices depend on individual circumstances. Jobs on campus could ease the problem of juggling school and employment, while jobs off campus could enable students to cover their expenses. In the end, securing a job that meets the student’s needs could matter even more than the job itself.