More than Just a Paycheck: How UNO Student Employment Sets Students Up For Success

When freshman geology major Hannah Matteo applied for a guest service position at Campus Recreation and Wellness, she had no idea she would still be there four years later, or how much the place, and especially the people in it, would shape her.

Now a senior at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), Matteo says her time there tops the list of experiences that have most influenced her college years. She started as a guest service worker, checking out sports equipment, upholding building policies, assisting visitors, and selling memberships to community members. A few years later, she leads her peers as a building manager. In that role, she is the first point of contact for medical emergencies, knows the facility’s emergency action plans inside and out, and ensures the safety of all employees and guests.

The move into leadership came unexpectedly and was one she wasn’t sure she was ready for.

“I was really nervous about becoming a building manager,” Matteo confessed. “I knew that my communication skills and confidence in confronting people were not very good. But the one thing that I really appreciate about this position is how much it has made me grow as a person, especially in communication, teamwork, time management, and confidence.”

Matteo is one of approximately 120 students who work in and maintain the facility, which is open more than 100 hours a week, seven days a week. Leigh Garstecki, the Director for Campus Recreation and Wellness, says the department operates like a fully functioning business, with student workers who are vital to its daily operation and success.

“I always tell our student workers, we’re so grateful for them. Campus Rec is the largest employer of students on campus, and without them, we couldn’t do what we do,” Garstecki said.

She explains how the benefit for students isn’t necessarily in the paycheck they receive, but the growth and skills they develop.

“Hannah is a great example. The growth in her communication skills is huge. Working here, students learn how to communicate effective conflict resolution tactics. There’s conflict between people who use the facility, and our student staff interject and help resolve those situations. How students handle those situations or medical emergencies on their first shift versus how they handle them three years later is very different. Those skills are important in the real world, and we see them built here every day with what they do,” Garstecki explained.

That growth, both personal and professional, is why Matteo encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and apply for the position, even if it is outside their major.

“There are aspects of this role that will help you advance your abilities in any major. Communication, teamwork, adaptability, time management, and efficiency are important for any job. I want to be a geohydrologist, where I will be working with other people, needing to adapt to situations quickly, and knowing when to ask for help. These are all skills that I’ve gained in the last four years working here,” Matteo said.

Campus Recreation welcomes students from any college, of any age, with flexibility for school and life. Applications are open year-round through Handshake. The skills gained through the student positions are exactly what future employers look for, and the opportunity is only a few clicks away.

Learn more about on-campus employment at Maverick Student Employment.