By Drew Troutman
It’s no surprise that college students dread 8 a.m. classes. Every time registration rolls around, students do everything in their power to avoid having class in the early morning. However, one Bellarmine student is happy to wake up early: not for class, but to help pay tuition.
Bellarmine freshman Kenna Mink is one of 91 college students from Kentucky who works in GE Appliances’ GEA2DAY Earn and Learn program. The program allows college students across the state to earn $14 an hour and $6,000 in tuition per calendar year. Students work two days a week and can choose whether they want to work first, second or third shift.
The program, which launched Oct. 31, 2018, requires students to work Mondays and Fridays. Employees work eight to nine hours a day in a fast-paced assembly line where they switch between various job assignments.
Dr. Lilly Massa-McKinley, Bellarmine’s assistant vice president of career development and strategic partnerships, encourages hardworking students to consider applying for the program.
“The program itself is pretty manageable,” Massa-McKinley said. “You would want to know upfront that you’re planning to do this so you could work your schedule around it. It’s a little bit more convenient than the UPS Earn and Learn program… you could do any of the shifts and it’s only Mondays and Fridays.”
Although the program is a great opportunity for students, Massa-McKinley stressed that the job may not be for everyone.
“It’s not unlike what you would expect working on a manufacturing line,” Massa-McKinley said. “It’s a very physical environment. We have had some students that have decided that is not the environment for them.”
Mink works first shift (6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and said her typical work day at GE is “pretty nice.”
“Since [I work] Mondays and Fridays, they basically put us where they need us,” Mink said. “I personally try to go to one specific area just because I know those people and they’re cool people to be around.”
Mink said her supervisors are friendly and willing to move her around to different areas.
“One time they had me watch [a machine] and just push it if it got stuck. I did that for two rotations and it was awful,” Mink said. “I told my supervisor that I didn’t really like it, and he got me switched with someone. I think [the supervisors] actually listen. They hear you out.”
While the pay and tuition benefit are attractive aspects of the job, employees shouldn’t expect an easy day at work.
“I would make sure [potential employees] are okay with hands-on work,” Mink said. “We wear gloves. We wear safety goggles. You’re gonna be doing things where you’re gonna get dirty and use your muscles.”
Mink said she thinks the job is completely worth it and plans to remain in the program during all four years at Bellarmine.
“I would recommend the job to anyone,” Mink said. “I feel like it’s really worth it, especially because they pay for my school.”
Kaitlyn Cundiff works in human resources at GE. Like Massa-McKinley and Mink, Cundiff recommends the program to students who are willing to get their hands dirty.
“GEA looks for those who are determined to succeed and willing to come together to create possibilities so we can make a difference,” Cundiff said. “We look for those who are committed and have exceptional attendance, attention to detail, the ability to work well with others and a willingness to learn various manufacturing jobs.”
Mink also said there’s an 11-hour orientation that employees must complete before starting at GE. This orientation allows potential employees to see whether this job will be right for them.
Cundiff said: “If you are a hard worker and have problem-solving skills, GEA would be a great fit for you. The great thing about this program is you can make money, get job experience and earn money for college.”
Applications for the program are accepted year-round at www.ibuiltthis.com. For more information, students can contact the Career Development Center at careerdev@bellarmine.edu.