<p>Would it be wise to get a job for the first semester of freshman year, or should I wait a semester or two? I definitely could use the money but I'm worried I won't be able to keep up, what with all the new experiences of classes and school things.. I like to keep myself busy, but not too stressed. Any thoughts/suggestions would help, thanks (:</p>
<p>I guess that might depend on your coursework…I’m an intended engineer and I should probably get a job but I’m not sure…</p>
<p>I encouraged both D’s to take lighter loads (and no work) when they first started out until they could figure out how much time was going to be taken up with coursework. Especially with engineering, where the early classes are rumored to be the “weed out” courses…this might be a wise choice.</p>
<p>This is just a small question so I am reluctant to make a new thread…Do most freshmen bring a bike to college? And if I bring a bike, do I keep it in my dorm?</p>
<p>Due to the state of the economy, I would recommend that you take the job during your first year. You need the money. You need the experience. You need the time management skills. Thinking back on my own experiences in college, I wished that I had worked harder to find employment and gain more work related skills. As you work, you can save some money to go towards the next semesters expenses or put it towards something else. </p>
<p>Though, you may see your friends goofing around on campus, you really aren’t missing anything at all. Be serious, be focused, and stay ahead of everyone else.</p>
<p>But I mean, the “job experience” for your first year at UMD is most likely a desk job. The only experience you’ll really be getting is learning to show up on time.</p>
<p>I understand that it may not be the most relevant position, you will still have something to put on your resume. </p>
<p>You may be to use that employer as a reference for an internship. The money that you earn could go towards textbooks or tuition next semester. In this economy, every little bit counts.</p>
<p>I would have definitely done things differently had I known what the job market was really like.</p>
<p>Make sure you think this through carefully because jobs are not that easy to come by whether you have a bachelors degree or even a PhD.</p>
<p>The person above me must be joking. DO NOT get a job your first semester. You will want to meet and hang out with all of the people on your floor. Make new friends… don’t be restricted by strict job hours and such. I could understand second semester, just to make some money, but even then, an engineering major is tough.</p>
<p>Definitely get used to the college environment, get used to your tougher college classes, realize that you will need a lot of self discipline to both work and do an engineering major, before actually working. Avoid working first semester, please. You have the rest of your life to work.</p>
<p>im in the same boat as novademon (engineering major, although im not sure if you’ll be a freshman like i will). i already accepted my federal work-study financial aid stuff so i guess i’ll be getting a job first semester…</p>
<p>Yeah I’m going to be a freshman. I wasn’t offered work-study but from what I saw, I think I’ll hold off on the job hunt until second semester at least. Thanks! (I already have a job now so I already have some work experience.)</p>