By Jena O’Brien,
public relations student assistant
Bluffton University was highlighted in a new study by The Student Loan Report for its participation in the Federal Work-Study program.

The study ranks Bluffton 78 out of more than 400 private institutions who offer Federal Work-Study jobs to students on campus. This program is enormously beneficial to students looking for ways to limit student debt and gain work experience within their degree field.

Shari Ayers, director of the Center for Career and Vocation, says students need to know that just as a Bluffton education is rooted in building relationships, the ability to maintain and value relationships in the work place is also essential.

“So many of these transferable skills students learn such as teamwork, adaptability, empathy, problem solving, customer service and communication skills, are really at their heart about professional relationships and being the kind of coworker that others value. Learn and Earn positions allow students to develop these key skills and earn while doing it,” said Ayers.

Mercedes Burns, a senior from Conneaut, Ohio, majoring in business administration, sports management and marketing, is currently fulfilling two learn and earn positions. Working as a Marbeck Complex assistant and as a catering worker, she says that the Learn and Earn program is beneficial as it provides students not only the ability to cut down the costs of their education but also serves as a way to gain valuable work experience.

“The Learn and Earn program has helped me with time management and communication skills. Overall, I have gained managerial experience in an area that I see myself being in after I graduate.”

“The Learn and Earn program has helped me get a head start in my field,” said Tyler Avila, a junior broadcasting and journalism major. “It not only helps me work on and practice the skills I’ll need later on for a job, but it also allows me to build connections with faculty members that I’m fortunate to work with.”

The study analyzed the average Federal Work-Study compensation at hundreds of private, four-year universities and colleges. The data is licensed from Peterson’s Financial Aid data set which is comprised of self-reported data by the colleges for the academic year 2015-16.

PHOTO: Juniors Tyler Avila and Reid Maus call the play-by-play during a football game at Bluffton University. As a broadcasting and journalism major, Avila appreciates getting practice in his future vocation while taking part in Bluffton’s Learn and Earn program.