GVSU student engaged in experiential learning through employment initiative

As a senior student assistant for Grand Valley’s Career Center, Gillian Garton engages in meaningful work by helping with the center’s social media, training new employees and approving jobs in the university’s job site, Handshake.

Garton, a social work senior, has continued to work off-site during remote instruction. She said adapting to remote work and collaborating with people in this way is a valuable skill to develop and have.

“The COVID-19 pandemic will change the way we interact with employment, potentially forever,” Garton said.

Corporations such as Google, Twitter and Wal-Mart and have announced some employees will continue to work remotely even after the pandemic subsides.

A Grand Valley employment initiative will offer remote opportunities during the summer for GVSU students to build professional skills and continue high-quality experiential learning.

Student Employment + (SE+) was initiated by the Student Employment Office with support from the Career Center and the Division of Inclusion and Equity to create a better employment experience for students. Positions will continue in-person format when campus reopens.

Garton said SE+ positions offer “the best of both worlds” because students are able to gain skills while earning money. SE+ jobs will be designated as such in Handshake and compensation will start at $10.15 an hour to reflect the work students will be engaged in.

Rachel Becklin, senior associate director in the Career Center, said SE+ positions offer students the opportunity to learn and earn. Some positions that would classify as SE+ might already exist.

“This supports high-impact learning that we know enhances retention and propels our mission of preparing students to go out in their profession and society prepared to succeed,” Becklin said.

In a time when internships and jobs might be difficult to come by, Garton encourages fellow students to get out of their comfort zone and seek out opportunities to work on professional development.

“There is no better time than now to develop yourself and your future career,” she said. 

To learn more about Student Employment +, visit gvsu.edu/studentjobs/seplus.