Part-time employees play an important role at Virginia Tech
Numbering more than 9,000 over the course of a year, part-time employees serve a variety of roles across Virginia Tech’s campuses and senior management areas.
“If you are unsure of what you want to do and have good skills, part-time positions are great opportunities to get to know Virginia Tech and springboard into a full-time job,” said Jeff Cumberland, director of talent acquisition.
A part-time job can help individuals gain experience and training in unfamiliar fields, Cumberland said.
Anthony Watson, interim assistant vice president for facilities operations, began his career as an apprentice 34 years ago. Since then, he has risen through the ranks of Virginia Tech’s facilities department, holding positions as a carpenter, superintendent of the Carpenter Shop, associate director of facilities operations, and then director.
He credits his successful career path to his willingness to take on additional responsibilities. “It’s not just about the money,” he said, “but taking the experiences offered to grow and advance.”
For those considering whether to take a part-time role, he advises: “Get your foot in the door. There will be an opportunity to move within the same department or within other departments.”
Some choose part-time work for the flexibility it allows.
Linda Eaton, human resources generalist, began working for Virginia Tech in 2012 as an emergency hire in the Division of Human Resources with no guarantee that the part-time role would become permanent.
“The flexibility of the wage position was perfect for me at that time because our son was in middle and high school and not yet driving,” she said. “It was nice to have that flexibility in schedule so I could pick him up after school and attend track meets.”
When a colleague decided to retire, Eaton applied for the full-time position and was hired. After three years, she transitioned to HR roles in Student Affairs before moving back to Human Resources five years later.
She attributes her success to her colleagues. “I have been blessed by working with people who took an interest in my career path and helped me along the way,” she said.
Some get their first taste of working for Virginia Tech as student employees.
Brian Grove, director of Dining Services, was a student employee with the catering department while he was earning his bachelor’s degree in architecture.
“I started my career the day I graduated, which I thought would be for a short time,” he said. “Thirty-two years later, I am still here.”
Grove has progressed through numerous roles with increasing responsibility in Dining Services. “I knew that one day I wanted to combine my love of food service and architecture,” he said.
This became a reality when he was named associate director and then director of Dining Services. “I was afforded opportunities to use my architecture degree to assist with remodels and capital projects, which I can now look around to see the impact that I have had within our dining centers.”
To those considering part-time work, Grove said, “Take the first step to work at Virginia Tech, whether it is a temporary or part-time position. I tell my employees to treat every day like it is a job interview, or like a supervisor or manager is observing you while you are working. Be patient and work hard to prove yourself.”
For those lacking the requisite academic credentials for their dream job, a part-time position may serve as a stepping stone that affords the flexibility to obtain the certification they need, said Cumberland.
Justin Sheppard started at Virginia Tech in 1999 while still a high school student. He began as a wage food operations assistant at Owens Dining Center before moving to the quarry in 2000 as an emergency hire mason/plasterer.
He left Virginia Tech in 2006, returning to the quarry in 2008. Since his return, he has progressed from quarry worker to assistant manager, receiving many certificates and licenses. He fills several roles at the quarry, from operating breakers, sawing stone, drilling and blasting, inventory, and day-to-day operations.
“When I started at the quarry, I was surprised at the hard work and skills that it took to learn and do the job the way it should be done,” he said. “I was also excited to see the process and know that as driving through Virginia Tech, I had a part in buildings that were being constructed and could take pride in that fact.”
While his career path has been difficult at times, Sheppard said that hard work and a continual focus on the future are invaluable. “I never stop looking ahead and never get comfortable where I'm at. There is always room for improvement and advancement if you're willing to put in the work to get there. “
Sandee Cheynet, associate vice president for human resources, said, “At Virginia Tech we have job opportunities that fit all needs and schedules. Part-time positions offer flexibility and provide a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing careers at Virginia Tech.”
