Students from varying backgrounds and cultures make UT Martin one of the most diverse campuses in Tennessee. However, a common issue numerous undergraduate students may face will be the struggle to pay for higher education. Between class fees, student loan payments, potential tuition payments, and gas money, UT Martin students are left wondering: “Is there anyone around even hiring?”
Off-Campus Employment
There are numerous positions and opportunities for students to secure employment off campus. Debuted at the City of Martin Fair and the CPAD hosted “Career Fair” students looking for a flexible part-time working schedule were encouraged to apply to multiple employers. Off-campus job opportunities reassure students of a set weekly schedule, higher pay rates, and usually guaranteed hours depending on specific shifts. Multiple businesses urgently hiring in University Plaza may not have had a chance to be physically present at recruiting events, but would extend the offer of potential employment to all students at UT Martin.
Businesses currently hiring in University Plaza include:
- Ruler Foods
- Rural King
- Cine Movie Theater
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Dollar General Store
Other locations outside of University Plaza are also hiring part-time workers, such as Zaxby’s, Dollar General, E.W. James and Sons, Higher Ground Coffee, Beals, The Grind and Sammies Sandwiches. Pay may vary from location to location and depending on experience. Nonetheless, students are encouraged to apply online or by visiting each location to receive a physical application and arrange an interview date from there. Students may also call a location of interest to gain more information, such as the hiring manager, hourly pay, and availability for what shifts they choose to work.
A number of the businesses in Martin have student workers, so they have adapted to the flexibility students may need.
On Campus Employment
Just as there are off-campus jobs, there are also on-campus job opportunities. On-campus jobs offer students the flexibility of working between classes and separated shifts, being closer to dorms for students who work further into the evening and being an active member of the student workforce on campus.
Students who wish to secure a worker position at UT Martin are encouraged to apply via CPADHandshake. This can be done by simply logging on to the UT Martin portal, selecting the menu on the left-hand side of the screen and clicking ‘CPADHandshake’. This will then take students to an online application service called ‘Handshake’, which is how numerous departments hire students at UT Martin.
Students can then search a variety of opportunities for jobs, such as student dispatcher for campus safety or a member of the grounds crew for the UT Martin physical plant.
Campus departments currently hiring include:
- Physical Plant, usually for custodial workers or grounds
- Campus Safety, student dispatcher
- Departmental Clerk positions
- The Department of Residence Life and Housing, desk attendant and resident assistant positions
- UT Martin Office of Campus Recreation
- Paul Meek Library
Most employers require that aspiring workers have a resume handy at the time of their interview or before. Students who need help creating or revising their resume may visit the Career Professional and Development Center (CPAD) on the second floor of the University Center. CPAD also gives students the opportunity to find formal clothes to wear for their interview from Captains Closet.
Applications via Handshake may take a bit of time to respond, so it is important to be patient. For graduating seniors, there are also internship opportunities available online through CPADHandshake and resources through CPAD, as well.
