“Applying for the First Gen Hawks program, specifically mentored campus employment, was hands down one of the best decisions I made in my early college career - the First Gen Hawks program has definitely helped prepare me for the workplace. I’ve learned how to properly send professional emails to colleagues, create connections, build a proper resume, how to ace an interview, and proper business etiquette. All these tips are highly useful for life after college, and I feel this program gives me a leg up over others who have not had a class like this before.”
BENEFITS
Students who work on campus, especially in their first semester, have higher GPAs, learn valuable skills that help them succeed, and make positive connections with campus faculty, staff, and other students. All FGH students will have the option to select if you would like to be placed with an on-campus job location starting in your first semester.
While it is not a requirement to participate in the program, your job on campus will give you new opportunities, supportive supervisors who will help you understand the connection between your learning in the classroom and on the job, and a paycheck.
LEARNING
All employers also serve as a professional staff member in their network of support and use Iowa GROW® (Guided Reflection on Work), a nationally recognized program developed by the University of Iowa, that connects student employment to learning and development.
GROW is built on the idea that learning happens everywhere on campus—including at work—and uses brief, structured conversations between student employees and their supervisors to help students reflect on what they’re learning in their jobs and how it connects to their academic, personal, and career goals.
SUCCESS
You’ll also develop great professional skills through your student employment experience which will be important to future success.
Students are matched with their employment site based on interests, program of study, and job site availability.