With winter graduation in the past and the beginning of a new semester underway, many UNA students are expressing concern about finding stable jobs to help pay for school now, not just after they finish their degree.

“It’s a reality that most college students need a job,” said Lauren Daley, a junior at UNA. “It’s hard to find a job, and you take what you can get because having a job, whatever it may be, is better than not having a job.”

Students searching for employment can find help on LionJobs, where they will find that UNA offers more than 600 student job positions, officials said.

Students can also attend the university-sponsored career fairs in the fall and spring semesters, where they can meet with employers from the Shoals and surrounding areas.

“I found my jobs through LionJobs and also by attending the career fair for graduating seniors,” said Rachel Gandy, a UNA junior. “I snuck in just to network with the different employers there.”

Gandy also works a second, seasonal-based job through Bank Independent.

The idea of a seasonal job is becoming a trend among students who need the money but only have time to work during school breaks and holidays.

“It’s hard to have a part-time job and still go to school, let alone have a full-time job,” said Rick Mills, a junior at UNA. “A friend of mine used to work at the mall during the Black Friday sales and later on towards Christmas, as well. It wasn’t a steady deal, but it was better than nothing.”

Most students agree that it is important to start networking early in their college career so they can establish a repertoire for future employers.

These students also hope that their experience will help them to stand apart from their peers applying for the same position.

“I’m confident that I will be creating a foundation that will allow me to find a good job,” said LeAnne Vogel, a junior. “I’m preparing myself by taking part in activities I feel equip me with a background that can set me apart from other applicants in future career opportunities.”

The experience, the resume boosters, the networking and the recommendations will, hopefully, allow students to make it one step closer to achieving their dreams jobs after graduation.

“I feel that if someone is in dire need of work, then they will find a job somewhere,” Mills said. “They just have to keep looking and be willing work somewhere even if they hate it. It’s not like it’s going to be your lifetime career — that’s what you are in school for in the first place.”