By Rheanna Romero, Graphic Information Technology Major, Arizona State University
As an ASU student attending the Polytechnic campus and scheduling 15 credit hours this fall for my major in Graphic Information Technology, I have two less things to worry about: the stress of fitting work, class and studying into my schedule and the even bigger worry of how to pay for my college expenses. These are the burdens of a working student, and Education at Work (EAW) strives to ease these burdens through a flexible work schedule and tuition assistance.
Tuition Assistance and My Education at Work Experience
EAW's tuition assistance program, unlike any other, is what brought the organization to my attention. Student employees are able to earn up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per school year, which is extremely helpful!
Once I started my journey at EAW, I discovered how convenient scheduling is for students - you’re able to work 18 plus hours during the school year and up to 40 hours during the summer! EAW caters to ASU students' needs unlike any other company. You can go up and down in hours based on the ebb and flow of student life as long as you maintain at least 18 hours per week. My job at EAW is unlike any other call center job I’ve worked at, all of which required you to put in a minimum of 32 hours per week. Whether it be working around finals, personal emergencies or any other change that could affect our studies, EAW works with us to ensure our achievement!
What is Education at Work?
EAW is best described as a company that hires college students in order to help them graduate with little to no debt while also providing skills that ensure success post-graduation. I work for EAW on behalf of Microsoft as a phone customer advocate for Microsoft Office products. I take inbound and outbound calls aspiring to give customers a six-star experience! Not only do I get the opportunity to work with a well-established company like Microsoft, but thanks to EAW, I am experiencing the world of business first-hand, and all before my first full-time job after graduation. Maintaining adherence, communicating effectively, planning ahead and having a strong sense of professionalism are just a handful of the skills I have improved upon while with Education at Work.
Working at Education at Work on Behalf of a Fortune 500
Microsoft has also changed the call center standard by creating an open, enjoyable environment. Being from Tucson, Arizona, and having recently moved to Mesa, Arizona to continue my education, I had zero friends. EAW changed that and gave me something better--a family that I genuinely care for. Every single job I've had in the past has left me with acquaintances that I only interacted with at work, but here at EAW, I've truly made friends for life! Work and school are known to be a draining combo but with EAW, it's a recipe for success!
Rheanna Romero is in her Junior year at ASU and has been with EAW since April of 2019. To learn more about Education and Work's partnership with Arizona State University, click here.