Despite how strongly students might wish it weren’t true, summer is coming to an end and the new school year is upon us. From K-12 districts to higher education and certification programs, mid to late August serves as the typical onramp to the new year. For students who also serve as members of the workforce, this means balancing competing priorities while also supporting themselves (and often their families). Achieving that level of time management is no small feat, but incredibly important to mental health and the sustainability of such a heavy schedule. Individuals balance time and their commitments in a number of ways, but there are a few common strategies implemented most often by successful student workers.
Effective Time Management
It’s no surprise that succeeding in the workforce and classroom simultaneously requires strong time management skills. For most in the hotel industry, that means planning ahead. Calendars are essential for keeping commitments straight. The medium utilized can vary, as some professionals prefer traditional, paper planners and others opt for digital calendars. Most schools provide schedules for entire semesters at a time. Employer-provided schedules usually come every 2 weeks or once a month. Effective time managers immediately transcribe those schedules into their personal calendars – noting any conflicts and taking action on those if needed. Having educational and professional obligations on the calendar early means one can better plan other commitments and time to recharge around those.
With multiple priorities, there are bound to be instances of conflict. It’s important for working students to clearly articulate with employers, managers, and instructors and keep them updated on any issues as early as possible. Most employers in the hotel industry offer flexibility on items such as scheduling but have the expectation that employees return the favor by communicating needs effectively (and early).
Asking for Support if Needed
The need for strong communication between students/workers and instructors/employers doesn’t end with scheduling. It’s expected that working professionals are capable of knowing their limits and not overstretching themselves with work and school. However, there are a number of other life factors that impact one’s ability to perform effectively in school and the workplace that come up over time. In these situations, it’s important for professionals to understand how to and be able to ask for help or additional support when it’s required.
Most managers within the hotel industry have once been in the role they now supervise, making it easier to understand the need for more support. Strong leaders prefer contributors note when they are struggling rather than falling behind or the situation escalating to full burnout. They want to retain quality employees and for those team members to be successful so the team succeeds as well.
Utilizing Travel Time Effectively
Depending on the location of school and/or work as well as other personal factors, employees differ greatly in how they get to and from their daily commitments. In more rural areas, most drive between locations. However, many employees in the hotel industry rely on public transportation in some capacity. Some student workers might even live within walking or biking distance. No matter how someone commutes, it’s important to spend that commuting time in the best way possible. Some days, that might mean utilizing the journey to catch up on studying by reviewing flashcards or listening to lectures.
At other times, mental health takes priority. A commute can be a great opportunity to recharge the brain between commitments or activities. Intentionally focusing on what is to come that day (or week), one can prepare themselves for the next transition between work and school. Meditation, breathing exercises, and catching up with loved ones are also beneficial uses of time.
Hotel Job Opportunities for College Students
The good news for those hoping to secure a job in hospitality in the near future is that the industry as a whole is expected to experience continued growth – despite recession concerns and layoffs happening in other industries. However, not all jobs (or employers) are created equal, so finding the right opportunity isn’t as straightforward as choosing the first one to come along.
One of the most important steps in achieving a balance between school and work commitments is to find a job that aligns with your needs and schedule. Look for job descriptions that are clear in terms of expectations. During the interview process, clearly articulate your needs as a potential employee and what type of schedule would best complement the academic calendar. Putting in the effort to ensure alignment prior to accepting an offer is a key contributor to long-term success in the position.
To make it easier for those in the job-hunting process, we’ve compiled a jobs database of all current hotel job opportunities within our organization. It’s easy to search for positions based on location (we operate nationwide), commitment level (part-time or full-time), and hotel function (housekeeping, maintenance, etc.). The application simply requires a resume, and new roles are posted regularly.
We welcome applicants from all circumstances, including students looking for part-time or flexible work outside of classroom hours. In our continuing efforts to remain the employer of choice within the extended stay industry, we stand committed to working with employees to best support them in their success in the workplace and in any educational endeavors. For any questions related to current opportunities, please contact our team today!