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Personal Narrative: My Social Work Experience

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Everywhere I turn on Hofstra’s widespread, lively campus, an abundance of students are buzzing about the multitudes of exciting activities happening every week, but of course, not every student is participating in the thrilling discussions. Some Hofstra residents do not have the means for participating in these popular events. I, as well as many other average college students, have experienced the stresses that come with balancing a hindering bank account and a stimulating social life. The office of Student Employment, located only a short, walking distance from the Student Center, provides one of many student services on the long list that Hofstra offers. Services are provided to both students looking to enter the work force and those who …show more content…
Just as I was about to, this student had once been through the process of applying for an on-campus jobs. Seeing her look so comfortable and content to be working gave me the instantaneous feeling that it was entirely possible: finding a job I was ready to handle would not be as painstakingly nerve-wracking as I had imagined it to be. My only previous job experience had been working as a camp counselor, so I was aware that my list of wanted skills was most likely at its bare minimum. When I was eventually able to sit down with the Human Resources Coordinator at the office of Student Employment, Karen Brown, she was phenomenally helpful in every imaginable way. After introducing myself and speaking on my personal fears of not being able to get a job due to my lack of previous experience, she assured me that this would not stop me from possibly working an on-campus position. She clarified, “Most students do not have an excess amount of experience in the workforce, so practically all of the departments will not hold it against a student if their list of previous knowledge is blank” (Brown). Brown had also pointed out to me that most departments are willing to work with the students based on their academic schedules. She then proceeded to show me how to apply for an on-campus job through the Hofstra portal. On the top of the Student Employment website, the “current jobs” tab will show all of the available jobs on campus. Each job when opened displays a description of the duties, hours, wages and qualifications, also including the type of documents (résumé, cover letter) that should be attached and the email address to send all of your material to. While looking through each of the positions, she aided me by pointing out any jobs that would benefit me most in accordance to my

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