As a full-time student, reeling in a good part-time job can sometimes be a difficult task, and many students aren’t aware of the ocean of opportunities surrounding them.

One of these commonly unknown opportunities is the Job Location and Development (JLD) Program that helps students dive into the local workforce.

As part of the Student Employment Services in the University’s Career Center, the JLD Program helps currently enrolled students find part-time and seasonal off-campus jobs.

This federally-funded program utilizes WorkNet – an online forum where students can search not only for off-campus jobs, but also on-campus jobs, internships, co-ops and career employment opportunities.

“The Career Center offers a one-stop shop that benefits both students and employers,” said Peg Bucksky, the JLD Program coordinator. “Employers submit their job vacancies, we post them at no-charge on WorkNet, and the students can view postings without even leaving home.”

Hundreds of businesses across the country are affiliated with the Career Center through WorkNet, and many local businesses are constantly being added to the list.

Before construction even ends on new local businesses such as Starbucks and Chipotle, Bucksky is there delivering information on the JLD program in hopes they will join the list of businesses on WorkNet.

And she doesn’t stop there. There are numerous JLD employers in all of northwest Ohio, including several businesses at the continually expanding Levis Commons shopping center in Perrysburg – a 10-minute drive from Bowling Green.

Registered businesses simply have to fill out a brief job posting form online, and then the jobs will be listed on WorkNet.

Students can log on to WorkNet through the Career Center’s Web site at www.bgsu.edu/offices/sa/career.

After creating a profile, which takes approximately 10 minutes, students can access dozens of local jobs listings from a variety of companies. Students can even upload their resumes and apply to some of the positions online.

“It is easy to use,” said senior Jeni Wargacki. “You just type in what you are looking for, and it comes up.”

Last school year, Wargacki worked as a daycare assistant at The Nurturing Nook – a job she discovered via WorkNet – and was named the Off-Campus Student Employee of the Year.

WorkNet gives a lot of information on the positions available and the companies that are hiring so students can get a better idea of what they want, Wargacki said.

“Worknet is a great way to find jobs that you know you want or that you can use in your future career,” said Wargacki, an early childhood education major.

Since the JLD Program began in 2000, off-campus employers reported hiring 8,766 students with nearly $29 million in estimated total earnings.

And while money is usually the biggest motivator for students, there are other benefits to having an off-campus job.

Wargacki enjoys the chance it gives her to get away from campus and meet new people, even though it takes time away from her friends, she said.

Also, many studies have shown that students who work 10 to 15 hours per week tend to do better in school and are more likely to graduate.

“It’s really about finding a balance and using good time management skills,” Bucksky said. “If a student feels their grades are beginning to drop it is important that they look at their work schedule and extracurricular activities and make adjustments as needed.”