Keeping students engaged at work is crucial for their growth, productivity, and the overall success of the department. Engaged students are more motivated, which leads to higher levels of performance and creativity. When students feel connected to their work, they are more likely to develop critical skills such as time management, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that will serve them well in their future careers.

Engagement also fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, which can be especially important for students balancing academics and work. When they see how their contributions matter to the organization, they are more likely to take ownership of their responsibilities and approach their tasks with enthusiasm. This not only benefits the organization but also enhances the students’ learning experience, as they gain real-world insights and practical knowledge.

On the flip side, disengaged students may struggle with productivity, miss learning opportunities, and feel disconnected, leading to higher turnover rates. By providing meaningful tasks, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work environment, supervisors can create an enriching experience for students.

Ultimately, keeping students engaged builds their confidence and equips them for future success, while also creating a positive and dynamic workplace that benefits everyone involved.

Campus Recreation Assistant Director of Member Services, Jackie Suffle, who has one of the largest teams of student employees, shares insight on how to keep students engaged at work.

1. How do you keep your students engaged? 
   "We implement multiple engagement strategies including structured monthly staff meetings with pre-shared agendas, which allows students to prepare thoughtful questions in advance. We prioritize two-way communication by encouraging student-led discussions rather than top-down management presentations. To foster leadership development and maintain motivation, we create opportunities for students to take on additional responsibilities through participation in hiring committees, workshop facilitation, and shift leadership roles. We've found that giving students ownership over various aspects of their work significantly increases their investment in the program."
2. How do you keep them showing up on time? 
   "We take a multi-faceted approach to punctuality. First, we establish clear expectations and a consistent accountability system from day one. During onboarding, we emphasize how tardiness impacts team dynamics and service quality. When punctuality issues arise, we address them through a progressive approach: first in group settings to establish general expectations, then through one-on-one conversations that allow us to understand any underlying challenges the student may be facing. This personal approach helps us identify and address any systemic barriers while maintaining professional standards."
3. How do you apply what they are learning in the classroom to what they are doing in the job, or is this applicable? 
   "We actively bridge academic learning with practical work experience by identifying connections between classroom concepts and job responsibilities. For example, students in communication courses can apply presentation skills during team meetings, while those studying management can practice leadership through project coordination. We encourage students to share relevant coursework insights during team discussions and look for opportunities to integrate academic knowledge into work processes. This approach not only enriches their work experience but also reinforces their academic learning."
4. What worked really well with the students? 
   "Our most successful initiatives center around building a strong community and maintaining personal connections. Cross-team collaboration has been particularly effective in breaking down silos and creating a more cohesive work environment. We prioritize in-person meetings despite scheduling challenges, as they provide invaluable opportunities to assess team morale, address concerns, and build stronger relationships. Our 'House Cup' competition system has proven especially effective at fostering team spirit and motivation through friendly competition. Additionally, we've found that creating multiple channels for feedback and participation helps students feel valued and heard. This comprehensive approach to engagement has resulted in higher retention rates and more positive work experiences."

Student jobs are more than just temporary...

Student jobs are more than just temporary, it’s an opportunity to build a foundation for a full-time career. These jobs provide real-world experience that bridges the gap between school and the professional world. By taking on responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and contributing to a team, they are learning practical skills that employers value, like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.

Working as a student also lets them showcase their abilities. Employers often look for dependable, hard-working employees, and being able to show that in a student role they make strong candidates for full-time opportunities.

In short, student jobs aren’t just short-term—they’re steppingstones that can lead to lasting career opportunities if approached with dedication and a mindset for growth as showcased by Luxi Arnold, the Operations Manager at UC Davis Stores.

Luxi graduated from UC Davis this past spring and now oversee our store’s Operations and Aggie Card departments. Her journey with the Bookstore began in 2020 as a cashier during her freshman year, progressing to Guest Services Associate and Student Manager roles—positions she now supervise. Recently, she also led the integration of our Aggie Card department into Bookstore’s operations.

She stated that from her experience, the best way to keep student employees engaged is by involving them in decision-making and offering development opportunities. This approach fosters pride and accountability. At UC Davis Stores, our sales floor is 100% student-run, empowering students to see the tangible impact of their efforts on campus operations. For instance, our Student Managers are responsible for opening and securing the store daily—a critical task that underscores the importance of punctuality and reliability.

We also encourage students to participate in interview panels and applicant reviews, helping them develop valuable hiring insights for their future careers. Listening to student feedback is equally vital, as their interactions with customers provide key insights into improving our services.

Many of our Student Managers, particularly those studying Economics, Math, or Statistics, apply classroom concepts to their daily tasks, such as running GL reports and investigating register discrepancies. They also have opportunities to collaborate with our career staff and the accounting department to gain a deeper understanding of store operations.

As a former student employee, what she valued most was the trust placed in me to handle meaningful responsibilities that directly served her peers and the campus community. By fostering an environment of trust and development, they create a workplace where students take pride in their roles and accomplishments.