More than just discounts: Nassau St. stores provide job opportunities

Drowning in work and extracurriculars, most students rarely venture outside the manicured lawns of campus. A few, however, cross Nassau Street daily to work part-time jobs, earning spending money and what some describe as a greater sense of connection to the community.

"It's great to work with people outside the University," said Brenda Jin '10, who has a job at Au Courant Opticians in Palmer Square. "I feel like I get out a lot more because I have to leave campus to go to work. I also get a feel for what kind of people live in Princeton."

Though most students find jobs on campus at the libraries, dining halls or research labs, several maintain that it's helpful to spend time away from the University and gain real world experience.

"I like that it gets me away from campus even though it's literally just across the street," said Ralph Schaefer '09, who works at J. Crew. "Even though a lot of people who go in there are from the University, I feel like it's a little bit detached, which is nice."

The University has not always encouraged close ties to the surrounding town. FitzRandolph Gate was initially constructed to keep townspeople off the Princeton campus. Built in 1905, it was kept closed and locked except during the P-rade and graduation, when seniors marched out to symbolize their transition from the University to the larger world.

In 1970, at the request of the graduating class, the gate was permanently cemented open to reflect improving relations with the town.

Now, students who work in town help to bridge the gap.

"There's a lot of older people who come in, and if they find out I go to Princeton, they love to chat," said Erin Bush '09, who has worked at Iano's Rosticceria for the past three semesters. "They want to know what the campus is like. I feel like they don't know what actually goes on. They want to know if it's as hard as people say."

Working in town has other benefits for students.

"If you work for a company, you can move up through that company," Jin said. "You have experience that will look great on your resume when you graduate as opposed to having something that says you worked in the dining hall, which doesn't tell an employer much about your work experience."

Students have also found that town employers understand tough workloads and University obligations.

"Iano is really flexible," Bush said. "I've called him the day of and said, 'Listen, I'm not coming to work today,' and it's fine."

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"I understand the needs a student has, especially with a workload that's so challenging," said Gary Iavarone, a partner at Au Courant Opticians. "I have a sit-down with them and remind them their first priority is as a student. I keep the schedule flexible. It makes it easier for them and keeps them happier. The happier they are, the more productive and hardworking they are. That makes good business."

The proximity between town and University is an advantage for both students and employers.

"Employing Princeton students is great out of convenience," said Jennifer Scampone, a manager at the Ann Taylor store in Palmer Square. "We know they aren't going to be late or have trouble commuting to work because they're right across the street."

Ann Taylor currently employs two University undergraduates and two Princeton Seminary students, as well as some employees from Rutgers and Westminster Choir College. It has consistently employed Princeton students, Scampone said.

Businesses also profit from hiring students who help them "get word out on campus," Iavarone said.

"The benefits are that you're getting someone very young, very intelligent and very highly motivated to do the best they can," Iavarone said.

"I think the relationship between the University and Palmer Square is cordial, but I think that's only because they know of each other's existence," Iavarone added. "I wish it were closer. I wish we had more students and faculty coming in here."