For decades, college has kept students’ wallets void and null—except for some singles to spare for a weeknight’s hamburger. Along with the inexorable emptiness of bank accounts, there always arises the anxious question of where to find work. For many students already juggling a full class schedule and social life, the addition of a job surmounts to a pretty heavy plate to carry. Meanwhile, for post-graduates, hefty bills remain to be paid.

This is precisely why Stetson emphasizes career opportunities for both professionals and students alike. Through Career Success programs such as HatterJobs and the Internship Impact Fund, careers are interwoven into student positions across campus, blending the fields of professional and personal development. Partnerships bloom between alumni and current students, and can be seen behind the DuPont Ball Library’s front desk, the Registrar’s Office, and Admissions recruiting.

Saraya Hodge ’27, an English major employed by Stetson’s Registrar Office, maintains a delicate balance between commuting to classes and working.“I was fresh out of the military and needed a work-study job, so I contacted the Registrar inquiring about a role,” explained Hodge. Since that spring semester of her freshman year, she has worked with Stetson military students and their families managing academic records, scholarship benefits and stipends.The Registrar contrasts the stereotypical office scene of stacked cubicles and zombie-workers. Hodge’s student colleagues are filled with ambition. “All of the students are there for a reason. Everyone is very motivated and definitely want[s] to be there,” said Hodge. In addition to the positive atmosphere with her peers, she also expresses profound respect for her boss, Jamie Vanderlip. “Professionally, Jamie is an amazing boss. I have a habit of asking questions a lot, but she is very patient and makes time for me…She always keeps a smile on her face and is an inspiration to students such as myself.”

Hodge admitted, “This position has healed me from the fear of working under someone again, and has restored that positive attitude to go back into the office everyday.” Plus, the skills gained along the way have undoubtedly prepared her for a career.  “I’m not scared to work on a computer anymore, especially because I’m dealing with potentially leaking someone’s 800 number!” said Hodge with a laugh.

Jamie Vanderlip is a long-time director in Stetson’s admissions, and as of last year, titleholder of the prestigious Woman of Stetson award, an alumni-sponsored award recognizing female cornerstone figures within the university.

Over the years, “There have been, in volume, lots of students that I have been a supervisor to…probably one hundred plus,” said Vanderlip. As a boss, she truly values the contributions made by her young team. “I really do see them as my employees who are also students. By viewing them that way, there is accountability, there is growth, and it is not just something they are doing to make money but to actually gain experience,” Vanderlip mentioned. Referring to Hodge, “My current student employee is incredible. We have implemented a lot of new strategies with military benefits, and I have worked very closely with her…she was new to the role, and so was I, so it worked really well for both of us,” said Vanderlip with a smile.

Undeniably, Vanderlip forges lasting bonds with each of her employees–sometimes ones that reach beyond the graduation ceremony. “I could list a very long list of students that I have… stayed in touch with,” Vanderlip claimed. 

For dedicated Hatters like Hodge and Vanderlip–one being a sophomore and the other being twelve years into her Stetson career–there is beauty in the shared workplace. Campus jobs incite  collaborations that wouldn’t happen elsewhere. They not only become stepping stones for careers but mentorships which prove worth remembering, long after commencement. In Hodge’s words, “Everyone here at Stetson wants you to work with them. You will have a lot of help along the way, and hopefully you will love your job as much as I do now.”