By DAVID MURIMI

Staff Writer

Working while attending school is an option for some students, but for others it is a necessity, and they need to keep employer expectations in mind.

Students should know what an employer expects and what to offer at the workplace everyday. Student Gearie Smith, a senior graphic design major who works at Papa John's Pizza, located at 505 W. California Ave., said, "Working and going to school is hard, plus I was on the track team, so I had to balance a lot. But I have a real understanding boss, so I am lucky."

Smith said his boss respects punctuality. As long as Smith is on time with things he can take time off when he needs to study or run with the track team.

Hossein Essandiari, manager of Papa John's, said when conducting interviews he looks for neat applications and neatly groomed students .

"I don't expect them to come in a three-piece suit, but to look presentable," Essandiari said.

"I know working is not their first priority as students, but I will be flexible with them as long as they are flexible with me."

Sometimes school and work conflict, and one of the two may suffer. This is a problem for students like Jared McWhiney, a junior kinesiology and health major, who works at Outback Steakhouse, located at 305 Constitution Dr. in West Monroe. "They understand my schedule and work with my school, but when things get hectic, school usually suffers. The advantages are the money but not a lot of time for fun and schoolwork," McWhiney said.

Jory Coon, a sophomore mechanical engineering major who works at the information desk in Tolliver Hall, said his job has advantages and disadvantages.

"I get to do my homework while I work and the only disadvantage of this job is I don't get to spend time with family as much," Coon said.

Julia Styrsky, a senior accounting major and manager at The Frothy Monkey coffee shop, located at 110 N. Monroe St., said what they look for is hard workers.

"I want a person who will do the little things like scrubbing the floors as well as everything else," Styrsky said.

"No coffee shop skills are required but a positive attitude is a major thing I look for in a student worker."

A good personality counts anywhere you work, Joy Loyd, a junior kinesiology and health major, said.

Loyd said this is especially true at the Frothy Monkey where she works.

"Social skills are important along with responsibility, as well as making quick decisions," Loyd said. "Also getting along with your co-workers is very important."

There are many expectations to be filled as a student in school and as well an employee, Essandiari said.

Essandiari said he also feels it is a two-way relationship in what an employer does for his staff.

"For students school comes first, then family, fun and then work," Essandiari said. "But if you work for me and don't call the night before a big exam, I'll find someone to cover you."