submitted by lgeorge@augsburg.edu
The Strommen Center conducted a student employment survey of day undergraduate students from April 29 through May 11, 2020. The purpose of the survey was to understand how COVID-19 has impacted student employment and experiential learning opportunities for the spring semester and the summer. 151 students completed the survey.
Of the students that responded:
1) 46% lost a summer job, internship, or other volunteer experience
2) 61% are now seeking a job, internship, or other opportunity this summer
3) Loss of income was selected as a stressor by the most students followed by lack of quiet and secluded space to do work and participate in Zoom meetings and classes
4) Lack of quiet space and increased responsibilities at home were stressors selected by the most students that might prevent them from securing a job, internship, or other opportunity this summer
5) Mental and emotional wellbeing programs were selected by many students when asked what programs and services would be most helpful this summer.
Complete results here starting on slide 7: https://tinyurl.com/yamfj4qw
How can you help?
Encourage students to:
1) Be active and flexible in their job and internship search. Positions are available but they might not be a student’s first choice. Visit Augsburg.CareerShift.com to search for jobs.
2) Continue to learn and develop skills even if you are not able to get a job or internship over the summer. Learn how to code, write short stories, or join a professional network.
3) Focus on self-care. Loss of a job or internship is stressful because of the loss of income and also because of the loss of sense of purpose and progress towards career and academic goals. Visit the Center for Wellness and Counseling’s site for resources.
The Strommen Center is in operation all summer and is offering virtual career coaching appointments, workshops, virtual career fairs, and online resources. Students can visit Handshake to make appointments and register for events.