Ohio University students have more than syllabi and course assignments on their minds. Many of these students are wondering how they’ll pay for their college education without burning a hole in their wallet.
Students seeking a job can look around many places on campus, including PACE positions and work-study programs, however some students choose to make their paycheck by competing with locals in the Athens job market.
According to a previous Post article, the average unemployment rate in Athens for 2012 was 7.9 percent. With a civilian labor force of 28,500, about 2,200 people were unemployed, making a job search in the county a competitive one.
Jason Armstrong, 21, an Athens resident who works at Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 W. Washington St., said he applied for positions at ten to twenty different places while scouring for positions.
“There are periods of time that it’s difficult,” said Armstrong, who plans to return to school in the near future. “You just have to figure out when they’re actually needing people, when people are leaving, and to wait for the right moment.”
Though not directly involved in hiring, Candida Stamp, one of the 29 worker-owners at Casa Nueva, 6 W. State St., said that people stop by frequently to pick up applications. Alicia Cordell, the human resources coordinator, said that out of approximately more than 200 applications, about five new employees are hired per year due to a high retention rate.
“When I was hired, everyone was an owner,” said Stamp, an Athens resident who has been working at the restaurant for 13 years. “Now we mostly look for people who have a lot of experience in the restaurant industry.”
While the campus’ schedule is a factor when local businesses bring in new employees, there are other aspects to getting hired. Andrew Vogt, who owns part of Hungry Howie’s, 235 W. Union St., said they look for motivated individuals who want to work quickly, specifically when it comes to drivers, who are paid per delivery.
“You want someone who’s dependable,” Vogt added. “ One of the hardest things is finding someone dependable, both locally and in the student body.”
Once hired, Armstrong said he’s enjoyed the work environment at his job at the coffee house for a variety of reasons.
“It’s definitely the best place I’ve worked,” Armstrong said. “It’s also a great way to be involved in the community — most of the people I’ve met working here are pretty awesome.”
Stamp said that she likes working at Casa Nueva, especially when fellow employees have a friendly and fun attitude. She added that Casa Nueva allows a high level of input from associates and worker-owners.
“We have opportunities to make change here,” Stamp said.
eb104010@ohiou.edu
