Balancing a full load of classes and a full-time job can be challenging and exhausting. To allow students to explore their options, The University of Akron’s Career Center hosted a Part-time and Seasonal Job Fair on March 15 in the Student Union.

This free event gave students the opportunity to learn about companies ranging from summer camps to consulting jobs.

The participating companies set up tables in the SU from 11 a.m. to  2 p.m.

The tables included: FedEx, Recreation Unlimited, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, The Depot, YMCA – Rotary Camp, Metro Consulting Associates, Dial America, Old Carolina BBQ, Panera Bread, Grifols, Wildwater Kingdom, Summit Metroparks, United States Marine Corps Officer Program, Dave’s Supermarket, Delaware North, and Cleveland Sight Center – Highbrook Lodge.

The tables also offered various take-aways like water bottles, bracelets, pens, car chargers, candy, and pamphlets.

Senior Caitlin Hull thought the part-time job fair had a lot of useful information available for students. “I think it is important for students to find part-time work because it can help them build a network of relationships and can show future employers that a student can manage school and work,” she said.

A part-time or seasonal job can be a good option for students to consider while still in school. It allows one to save money while still focusing a majority of their attention on their classes.

Additionally, trying to maintain a full-time job and school class schedule can affect one’s grades.

According to a study done by the “Journal of Population Economics,” four-year college students who works 20 hours or less had an average GPA of 3.13, whereas non-working students had an average GPA of 3.04. Student trying to take more than 20 hours a week had an average GPA of 2.95.

Sandy Manjura, a representative of Leaf Filter, thinks that having a part-time job is important when trying to gain experience. “It’s good experience when starting to get in the workforce. It gets your feet wet a little bit.”

Chiara Bunch, a human resources generalist for FedEx, said that FedEx offers benefits for their employees after a short period. “We offer tuition assistance after only a couple months, and they can get up to $1,500 in tuition assistance. It’s an ideal part-time job.”

For upcoming job fair listings at UA visit uakron.edu/career.