by Peter Konwerski
GW students make a significant impact on our campuses and greater Washington, D.C., community through their student employment experiences. Every day, GW students answer the phones in our offices, conduct research in our labs, update our websites, stock our library shelves, communicate with current and prospective parents and students, and manage special events and athletic competitions. Yet, hardly a day goes by that we dedicate time to thank the more than 3,300 student employees for doing their job to keep GW operating efficiently and effectively.
Each year during the second week in April, universities across the United States recognize the significance of the student work experience and celebrate the amazing contributions of student employees during National Student Employment Week. This year’s observance will be held April 7 to 13, and I encourage the entire GW community to recognize the significant contributions of our student employees.
Undergraduate Admissions, the Lerner Health and Wellness Center, GW Police, GW Housing, the Department of Biology, the Peace Corps, the National Archives, the American Art Museum, RAINN, DC Reads, and Jumpstart. All these GW departments and off-campus organizations benefit from our student employees. And there are more than 200 other GW departments and government and non-profit organizations that join them in providing student employment opportunities.
To celebrate National Student Employment Week the GW Career Center is offering a Career Workshop for student employees on Wednesday, April 10 from 5-7pm, where students can identify the skills they are building through their employment experiences. Career Center staff will provide student employees with the tools to best market these skills to future employers. In addition, a panel of GW alumni will share stories about their student employment experiences and how those experiences shaped their career paths. Finally, on Friday, April 12, the Career Center will host an informal celebration of National Student Employment Week for all GW student employees with cupcakes in Colonial Crossroads on the fifth floor of the Marvin Center.
In the spirit of our GW values, especially those of teamwork, excellence, respect, and learning, I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank the GW student employees who you encounter across our campuses and in the city for doing such excellent work at our university and in our community. They are putting their academic knowledge into action and are learning skills that will serve them well in the future. I know they would appreciate acknowledgement of their everyday efforts, particularly during National Student Employment Week!
Peter Konwerski is the Senior Associate Provost and Dean of Student Affairs.