3 answers
Haley
Student
Spring, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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Is it wise to get a part-time job your freshman year of college, or to just focus on school? #Spring26
I'll be a CAP student at UTA, meaning I will be transferring to UT after freshman year. It's particularly important that I maintain my grades and GPA to have a better shot at getting into my desired major, so should I just focus on my classes or try to also get a job? I will already have some money saved up from a current job.
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3 answers
Wei Yi Eng
Sales Operations
2
Answers
Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Updated
Wei Yi’s Answer
It depends on how well you're handling school today. If you can manage assignments, projects, and classes, you could try some freelance or part-time work. Start with just a few hours a week so it doesn't overwhelm you or affect your studies.
Leslie Z
Global Logistics Specialist / Supply Chain Management
5
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
Hi Haley,
I didn't work during my freshman year because there were already so many new things to adjust to, and like you, I wanted to focus on doing well academically. Looking back, my freshman classes were probably the easiest of my college career, so I likely could have managed a simple part-time job without any issues.
I started working for the university during my sophomore year and continued through graduation. It was a great experience because the job was flexible, helped me build valuable skills, and fit well with my class schedule.
Ultimately, I think the decision depends on the type of job you can find. If it's something you're already familiar with, close to campus or home, or offers flexible hours, having work experience on your resume can be very beneficial, even if it's not directly related to your major. On the other hand, if the job requires a long commute or doesn't offer much flexibility, I would probably wait until you've settled into your routines at UT and have a better sense of how much time you can realistically commit.
I didn't work during my freshman year because there were already so many new things to adjust to, and like you, I wanted to focus on doing well academically. Looking back, my freshman classes were probably the easiest of my college career, so I likely could have managed a simple part-time job without any issues.
I started working for the university during my sophomore year and continued through graduation. It was a great experience because the job was flexible, helped me build valuable skills, and fit well with my class schedule.
Ultimately, I think the decision depends on the type of job you can find. If it's something you're already familiar with, close to campus or home, or offers flexible hours, having work experience on your resume can be very beneficial, even if it's not directly related to your major. On the other hand, if the job requires a long commute or doesn't offer much flexibility, I would probably wait until you've settled into your routines at UT and have a better sense of how much time you can realistically commit.
Michelle Sellers
Communication, change management
10
Answers
Montgomery, Texas
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
A strategy to consider - I took classes full time during the spring and fall, then worked full time in the summers (get a paid internship, if you can!). That way, I could stay really focused on school while also having my summer savings to sustain me the rest of the year.